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.
| 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:
- Electral
- ORAL-L
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 solutionPedialyte