Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)
Gastrointestinal
WHO-formula glucose-electrolyte solution for diarrheal dehydration.
Generic name: Sodium chloride / Potassium chloride / Sodium citrate / Glucose
Brand names: Oresol, Hydrite, Oralyte
Dosage
Dissolve one sachet in the exact volume of clean water printed on the packet. Give frequent small sips. Adults can drink ad libitum; children 50–100 mL per loose stool, infants 10 mL/kg per loose stool.
Side effects
Very rare. Slight nausea if drunk too fast. Risk of hypernatremia only with under-dilution.
Contraindications
Intestinal obstruction, severe ongoing vomiting (use IV fluids), anuria.
Description
Reduced-osmolarity ORS (245 mOsm/L) is the WHO standard since 2002 and the first-line therapy for any-cause diarrheal dehydration. Co-transport of glucose and sodium across the intestinal mucosa drives rapid water absorption even when secretory diarrhea is ongoing.