SMC Fruity (Orange)

Indications

Glucose-based, fruit-flavoured oral rehydration salts (ORS) are used to prevent and treat dehydration, the loss of water and body salts caused by diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, heat stroke or heavy sweating. The pleasant flavour makes it easier for children and adults to drink the amount they need.

How It Works

Each sachet contains glucose together with sodium chloride, potassium chloride and sodium citrate in carefully measured amounts. Glucose and sodium are absorbed together through the wall of the small intestine, and water is drawn in with them. This restores body fluids and salts, replaces potassium lost in stools and helps correct acid build-up in the blood. ORS does not cure the cause of diarrhoea, but it prevents dangerous dehydration while the illness settles.

Dosage and Administration

Empty one sachet into the exact volume of clean drinking water stated on the pack (usually 500 ml) and stir until dissolved. Never use less water and do not add sugar or salt. Use within 12 hours of mixing, or as the pack states.

• Adults and children over 10 years: about 200 to 400 ml after each loose motion, and more as thirst demands.
• Children 2 to 10 years: about 100 to 200 ml after each loose motion.
• Children under 2 years: about 50 to 100 ml after each loose motion, given slowly by spoon.

If vomiting occurs, pause for 10 minutes and restart with smaller sips. Keep eating normal food and keep breastfeeding.

Interactions

No significant drug interactions are known. Ask a doctor first if you take medicines that can raise potassium, such as Spironolactone, Enalapril or Losartan, or if you have kidney disease.

Contraindications

Not suitable for severe dehydration with shock, fainting or unconsciousness, which requires intravenous fluids in hospital. Do not use in intestinal obstruction, persistent vomiting where nothing stays down, or severe kidney failure unless directed by a doctor.

Side Effects

Side effects are uncommon when ORS is made correctly. Drinking too quickly may cause vomiting. A solution made with too little water can be too concentrated and may worsen diarrhoea or raise sodium levels.

Get urgent medical help if there is extreme sleepiness or confusion, inability to drink, blood in the stools, very little or no urine for 6 hours, sunken eyes, high fever, or if symptoms last more than 2 days in an adult or get worse in a child.

Pregnancy and Lactation

ORS can be used safely during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Pregnant women with severe or prolonged diarrhoea or vomiting should see a doctor promptly.

Precautions and Warnings

• Measure the water carefully every time.
• The product contains glucose; people with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar.
• People with heart failure, high blood pressure or kidney problems should follow their doctor's advice on how much to drink.
• For children, Zinc tablets are often recommended alongside ORS; follow your doctor's advice.

Overdose

Too much ORS, or ORS mixed with too little water, can raise blood sodium and lead to thirst, irritability, puffiness or, rarely, seizures. Stop and seek medical advice immediately.

Therapeutic Class

Oral rehydration therapy (electrolyte and glucose replacement)

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Throw away any prepared solution not used within the time stated on the pack.