Oral Rehydration Salt [Tasty]
Indications
Flavoured oral rehydration salts (ORS) are used to prevent and treat dehydration (loss of body water and salts) caused by diarrhoea, vomiting, heat, heavy sweating or fever. The tasty, fruit-flavoured form has the same purpose as plain ORS but is easier for children and adults to drink, which helps people take enough of it.
How It Works
ORS contains a balanced mix of sodium, potassium, chloride, citrate and a carbohydrate (glucose or a similar sugar). The sugar helps the gut absorb sodium, and water follows the sodium into the body. This replaces lost fluid and salts, corrects mild acidosis (too much acid in the blood) and helps prevent weakness, cramps and kidney problems from dehydration. ORS does not stop diarrhoea itself, but it prevents its most dangerous effect.
Dosage and Administration
Dissolve one sachet in the exact amount of clean drinking water stated on the pack (commonly 500 ml). Do not use less water, and do not add sugar, salt or other drinks. Use within 12 hours of mixing, or as stated on the pack.
- Adults and older children: drink freely, about 200 to 400 ml after each loose stool.
- Young children: give small, frequent sips with a spoon or cup, usually 50 to 100 ml after each loose stool for children under 2 years and 100 to 200 ml for children aged 2 to 10 years, or as advised by your doctor.
If the child vomits, wait 10 minutes and then continue more slowly. Continue normal feeding and breastfeeding.
Interactions
No important interactions are expected. People taking medicines that raise potassium (such as Spironolactone or some blood pressure tablets) or who have kidney disease should ask their doctor how much ORS to drink.
Contraindications
Do not use in severe dehydration with shock or unconsciousness (this needs urgent intravenous fluids in hospital), in bowel blockage, in persistent vomiting that prevents drinking, or in severe kidney failure unless a doctor advises it.
Side Effects
When mixed correctly, ORS rarely causes problems. Mild vomiting may occur if it is drunk too fast. Mixing with too little water can make the solution too salty and cause harm.
Get urgent medical help if the person becomes very drowsy or confused, cannot drink, has blood in the stool, passes little or no urine for 6 hours or more, has sunken eyes, a high fever, or if diarrhoea or vomiting continues for more than 2 days in adults or worsens in a child.
Pregnancy and Lactation
ORS is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding to replace lost fluid. See a doctor if diarrhoea or vomiting is severe or lasts more than a day in pregnancy.
Precautions and Warnings
- Always use the exact amount of water on the pack.
- People with diabetes should note that the product contains sugar and check blood glucose more often.
- People with heart failure or kidney disease should follow their doctor's advice on fluid amounts.
- For infants, also give Zinc if prescribed, and continue breast milk.
Overdose
Drinking too much ORS, or ORS made with too little water, can raise blood sodium and cause thirst, irritability, swelling or, rarely, fits. Stop giving it and seek medical advice straight away.
Therapeutic Class
Oral rehydration therapy (electrolyte replacement)
Storage
Store sachets below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Discard any mixed solution not used within the time stated on the pack.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Oral rehydration salt [tasty]