Indications
Sucrose is ordinary table sugar. In medicines it is mainly used as an ingredient of flavoured (fruity) oral rehydration salts (ORS), which are taken to replace water and salts lost through diarrhoea, vomiting or heavy sweating, and to prevent or treat mild to moderate dehydration. It is also used to sweeten syrups.
How It Works
In the gut, sucrose is broken down into glucose and fructose. Glucose helps the intestine absorb sodium, and water follows the sodium into the body, which corrects dehydration. Sucrose also gives energy and makes the solution taste better, so people drink enough of it.
Dosage and Administration
Mix one full sachet with exactly the amount of clean drinking water stated on the pack. Do not use less water, do not add extra sugar or salt, and do not boil the made-up solution. Drink small, frequent sips, especially after each loose stool or vomit. Give children small spoonfuls often. The amount to drink depends on age and how much fluid is lost; follow the pack or the doctor’s advice. Throw away any made-up solution after the time stated on the pack (usually 12 hours).
Interactions
No important interactions with medicines. People with diabetes should count the sugar it contains.
Contraindications
Hereditary fructose intolerance or sucrase-isomaltase deficiency (rare inherited conditions where the body cannot handle sucrose); severe dehydration or shock, which needs fluid through a drip; blocked bowel; inability to drink.
Side Effects
Usually none when made correctly. A solution made too strong can make diarrhoea worse and may cause vomiting. Get urgent medical help if there are signs of severe dehydration (very sleepy or hard to wake, no urine for 6 hours or more, sunken eyes, very dry mouth, cannot drink), blood in the stool, high fever, repeated vomiting so fluids cannot be kept down, or if a baby under 6 months is unwell with diarrhoea.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding when made as directed.
Precautions and Warnings
People with diabetes should check blood sugar, as fruity ORS contains more sugar than standard ORS; a standard low-sugar ORS may be better for them. Do not replace ORS with soft drinks or fruit juice. If diarrhoea lasts more than 2 days in adults, or gets worse, see a doctor. Breastfed babies should keep breastfeeding.
Overdose
Too strong a solution or very large amounts can cause high blood sugar in people with diabetes, and worsening diarrhoea or salt imbalance. Seek medical advice if someone becomes confused, very thirsty or drowsy.
Therapeutic Class
Carbohydrate (sugar); ingredient of oral rehydration salts.
Storage
Store sachets below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.