Oral Rehydration Salts
Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) is a WHO-formulated dry mixture of electrolytes and carbohydrates (dextrose). When dissolved in water, it creates an isotonic solution that facilitates rapid absorption of water and key electrolytes in the small intestine, reversing dehydration and maintaining physiological fluid balance.
Dosage by Body Weight
Always dissolve the powder in the exact volume of clean drinking water specified on the package (usually 200ml or 1 Liter). Do not boil the solution after reconstitution. Consume in small, frequent sips. Discard any unused solution after 24 hours if refrigerated, or after 1 hour if kept at room temperature.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 200 ml to 400 ml of reconstituted solution over 4 hours
- Frequency
- Administer frequently in small sips (spoonfuls) every 1-2 minutes
- Tracking Notes
- Continue breastfeeding. Consult a healthcare professional immediately if diarrhea is severe.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 400 ml to 600 ml of reconstituted solution over 4 hours
- Frequency
- Give small, frequent sips; approx. 50-100 ml after each loose stool
- Tracking Notes
- If the child vomits, wait 10 minutes and then resume administration more slowly.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 600 ml to 800 ml of reconstituted solution over 4 hours
- Frequency
- Give small, frequent sips; approx. 100-150 ml after each loose stool
- Tracking Notes
- Do not mix the powder with milk, juice, or soft drinks; use only clean water.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 800 ml to 1200 ml of reconstituted solution over 4 hours
- Frequency
- Drink slowly; approx. 150-200 ml after each loose stool
- Tracking Notes
- Ensure normal feeding is resumed as soon as dehydration is corrected.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 1200 ml to 1500 ml of reconstituted solution over 4 hours
- Frequency
- Drink slowly; approx. 200 ml after each loose stool
- Tracking Notes
- Monitor urine output and skin turgor to ensure adequate rehydration.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 200 ml to 400 ml of reconstituted solution over 4 hours | Administer frequently in small sips (spoonfuls) every 1-2 minutes | Continue breastfeeding. Consult a healthcare professional immediately if diarrhea is severe. |
| 5-7 kg | 400 ml to 600 ml of reconstituted solution over 4 hours | Give small, frequent sips; approx. 50-100 ml after each loose stool | If the child vomits, wait 10 minutes and then resume administration more slowly. |
| 8-10 kg | 600 ml to 800 ml of reconstituted solution over 4 hours | Give small, frequent sips; approx. 100-150 ml after each loose stool | Do not mix the powder with milk, juice, or soft drinks; use only clean water. |
| 11-15 kg | 800 ml to 1200 ml of reconstituted solution over 4 hours | Drink slowly; approx. 150-200 ml after each loose stool | Ensure normal feeding is resumed as soon as dehydration is corrected. |
| 16-20 kg | 1200 ml to 1500 ml of reconstituted solution over 4 hours | Drink slowly; approx. 200 ml after each loose stool | Monitor urine output and skin turgor to ensure adequate rehydration. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used to prevent and treat dehydration caused by acute diarrhea, vomiting, active sports, or excessive sweating by restoring lost water and essential electrolytes.
Generic Name
Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Anhydrous DextroseBranded Drug Names
Oral Rehydration Salts 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.