Dietary modification and hydration management
Dietary modification and hydration management involves adjusting food and fluid intake to treat or prevent dehydration and nutrient imbalances. This non-pharmacological intervention focuses on increasing water or oral rehydration solution (ORS) intake while consuming easily digestible, nutrient-dense foods (such as bland foods) and avoiding gastrointestinal irritants like high-fat, high-sugar, or heavily spiced foods.
Dosage by Body Weight
Fluids should be taken in small, frequent sips to avoid triggering vomiting. For clinical dehydration, use Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) dissolved in clean water as directed. Gradually reintroduce solid foods as tolerated, prioritizing complex carbohydrates, lean meats, and yogurt, while avoiding simple sugars which can worsen diarrhea.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 50-100 mL of ORS per loose stool
- Frequency
- Frequent small sips (every 5-10 minutes)
- Tracking Notes
- Consult a healthcare provider immediately. Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding frequently.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 60-100 mL of ORS per loose stool, or 500-800 mL of total fluids daily
- Frequency
- On-demand and after every loose stool
- Tracking Notes
- Monitor urine output (minimum of 4-6 wet diapers in 24 hours). Avoid high-sugar fruit juices.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 100-150 mL of ORS per loose stool, or 800-1000 mL of total fluids daily
- Frequency
- Frequent small volumes throughout the day
- Tracking Notes
- Offer bland, easily digestible foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, or toast as tolerated.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 150-200 mL of ORS per loose stool, or 1000-1250 mL of total fluids daily
- Frequency
- As tolerated, emphasizing fluid intake after purging episodes
- Tracking Notes
- Ensure adequate electrolyte intake. Avoid giving plain water in massive quantities without electrolytes.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 200-250 mL of ORS per loose stool, or 1250-1500 mL of total fluids daily
- Frequency
- As tolerated
- Tracking Notes
- Resume age-appropriate normal diet gradually once vomiting/diarrhea subsides for 12-24 hours.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 50-100 mL of ORS per loose stool | Frequent small sips (every 5-10 minutes) | Consult a healthcare provider immediately. Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding frequently. |
| 5-7 kg | 60-100 mL of ORS per loose stool, or 500-800 mL of total fluids daily | On-demand and after every loose stool | Monitor urine output (minimum of 4-6 wet diapers in 24 hours). Avoid high-sugar fruit juices. |
| 8-10 kg | 100-150 mL of ORS per loose stool, or 800-1000 mL of total fluids daily | Frequent small volumes throughout the day | Offer bland, easily digestible foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, or toast as tolerated. |
| 11-15 kg | 150-200 mL of ORS per loose stool, or 1000-1250 mL of total fluids daily | As tolerated, emphasizing fluid intake after purging episodes | Ensure adequate electrolyte intake. Avoid giving plain water in massive quantities without electrolytes. |
| 16-20 kg | 200-250 mL of ORS per loose stool, or 1250-1500 mL of total fluids daily | As tolerated | Resume age-appropriate normal diet gradually once vomiting/diarrhea subsides for 12-24 hours. |
Formulation
Purpose
Management of mild to moderate dehydration, gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea or vomiting, and support of general metabolic recovery through fluid replacement and balanced nutrient intake.
Generic Name
Oral hydration and dietary therapyBranded Drug Names
Dietary modification and hydration management is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.