Indications
Rice-based oral rehydration salt (rice ORS) is used to prevent and treat dehydration caused by diarrhoea, including cholera and other acute watery diarrhoea, in adults and children. It replaces the water and salts lost in loose stools and vomit. Compared with glucose-based ORS, the rice starch may also help reduce the amount of stool, especially in cholera.
How It Works
Rice ORS contains cooked rice powder (a source of starch), Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride and Trisodium Citrate. In the gut, rice starch is slowly broken down into glucose. Glucose and sodium are absorbed together through the intestinal wall, and water follows them into the body. This works even during diarrhoea. Potassium replaces potassium lost in stools, and citrate helps correct the acid build-up that dehydration causes.
Dosage and Administration
Mix one packet with the exact amount of clean, boiled and cooled drinking water stated on the pack, usually half a litre; do not add sugar, salt or other ingredients, and do not use less water. Give small, frequent sips, or by spoon for young children. A common guide after each loose stool is about 50 to 100 ml for children under 2 years, 100 to 200 ml for children aged 2 to 10 years, and as much as wanted for older children and adults, or as directed on the label or by a health worker. Use the mixed solution within the time stated on the pack, usually 12 hours, as rice solutions spoil quickly. Continue normal feeding and breastfeeding.
Interactions
No important interactions are known. People taking medicines that raise potassium, such as Spironolactone or ACE inhibitors, or who have kidney disease, should seek medical advice for prolonged use.
Contraindications
- Severe dehydration with shock or inability to drink, which needs IV fluids in hospital.
- Persistent vomiting, bowel blockage or paralytic ileus.
- Kidney failure with little or no urine, unless directed by a doctor.
Side Effects
Side effects are uncommon when prepared correctly. Vomiting may occur if the solution is taken too quickly; wait 10 minutes and give it more slowly. Puffy eyelids may be a sign of too much fluid; stop briefly and seek advice. Wrongly concentrated solution can cause salt imbalance.
Get urgent medical help if there is blood in the stool, high fever, repeated vomiting, the person cannot drink, becomes very sleepy, has sunken eyes, passes very little urine, or does not improve within a day, especially in infants and older people.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Rice ORS is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Breastfeeding should continue during diarrhoea.
Precautions and Warnings
- Always use the correct amount of clean water.
- Children with diarrhoea should also receive Zinc as advised by a health worker.
- Seek medical care for babies under 6 months with diarrhoea, and for severely malnourished children.
- Discard unused mixed solution after the time stated on the pack.
Overdose
Drinking too much or using too little water to mix can cause high sodium, with thirst, irritability and swelling. Contact a doctor if this is suspected.
Therapeutic Class
Oral rehydration solution (rice-based); electrolyte replacement.
Storage
Store unopened packets below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep mixed solution covered and use within the stated time.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.