Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)

ORS is a mixture of clean water, salt, and sugar. It helps the intestines absorb water and electrolytes back into the body during fluid loss.

Dosage by Body Weight

Replacement is based on fluid loss. For mild/moderate dehydration, give 50-100 ml/kg over 4 hours. Small, frequent sips are better if the child is vomiting.

Body Weight
Below 5 kg
Dose
200-400 ml
Frequency
Over 4 hours
Tracking Notes
Give 50 ml after every loose stool.
Body Weight
5-10 kg
Dose
400-800 ml
Frequency
Over 4 hours
Tracking Notes
Give 100 ml after every loose stool.
Body Weight
11-20 kg
Dose
800-1600 ml
Frequency
Over 4 hours
Tracking Notes
Give 200 ml after every loose stool.

Weight-based dosage tracking table for Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), including body weight, dose, frequency, and tracking notes.
Body Weight	Dose	Frequency	Tracking Notes
Below 5 kg	200-400 ml	Over 4 hours	Give 50 ml after every loose stool.
5-10 kg	400-800 ml	Over 4 hours	Give 100 ml after every loose stool.
11-20 kg	800-1600 ml	Over 4 hours	Give 200 ml after every loose stool.

Formulation

Sachet (Powder)

Purpose

To prevent or treat dehydration due to diarrhea and vomiting.

Generic Name

Oral Rehydration Salts (WHO formula)

Branded Drug Names

Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) 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.

Alternatives

Homemade sugar-salt solution Pedialyte

Safety Advice

Alcohol

CAUTION

Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS): Alcohol may worsen dehydration, stomach upset, or interfere with nutritional recovery. Avoid or limit alcohol.

Pregnancy

SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS): Generally safe in pregnancy when used at recommended doses or as prescribed. Avoid excessive supplementation.

Breast Feeding

SAFE

Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS): Generally compatible with breastfeeding when used at recommended doses. Ask a healthcare provider before high-dose use.

Driving

SAFE

Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS): Usually does not affect driving. Avoid driving only if you feel unwell, dizzy, or weak from the underlying condition.

Liver

SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS): Usually safe at recommended doses, but high-dose or fat-soluble vitamin use should be medically supervised in liver disease.

Kidney

CAUTION

Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS): Kidney disease may require avoiding or adjusting minerals and electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, or phosphate.