Oral Rehydration Therapy
Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) involves drinking a solution of clean water, sugar, and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, and citrate) to treat fluid loss. It is widely used to manage dehydration from diarrheal illnesses and is a critical, low-cost intervention for infant and child health.
Dosage by Body Weight
For mild-to-moderate dehydration, administer approximately 75 mL/kg of ORS solution over a 4-hour period. Offer small, frequent sips rather than large gulps. If vomiting occurs, pause for 10 minutes, then resume more slowly.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 200 to 400 mL over 4 hours
- Frequency
- Frequent small sips (approx. 5 mL every 1-2 minutes)
- Tracking Notes
- Continue breastfeeding or feeding infant formula between ORS administrations.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 400 to 600 mL over 4 hours
- Frequency
- Frequent small sips
- Tracking Notes
- If the child vomits, wait 10 minutes and then resume administration more slowly.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 600 to 800 mL over 4 hours
- Frequency
- Frequent small sips
- Tracking Notes
- Monitor clinical signs of dehydration improvement (e.g., wet diapers, tears).
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 800 to 1200 mL over 4 hours
- Frequency
- Frequent sips as tolerated
- Tracking Notes
- Offer normal age-appropriate diet once the rehydration phase is complete.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 1200 to 1600 mL over 4 hours
- Frequency
- Sips as tolerated
- Tracking Notes
- Ensure ORS packets are dissolved in the exact amount of clean water specified on the packaging.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 200 to 400 mL over 4 hours | Frequent small sips (approx. 5 mL every 1-2 minutes) | Continue breastfeeding or feeding infant formula between ORS administrations. |
| 5-7 kg | 400 to 600 mL over 4 hours | Frequent small sips | If the child vomits, wait 10 minutes and then resume administration more slowly. |
| 8-10 kg | 600 to 800 mL over 4 hours | Frequent small sips | Monitor clinical signs of dehydration improvement (e.g., wet diapers, tears). |
| 11-15 kg | 800 to 1200 mL over 4 hours | Frequent sips as tolerated | Offer normal age-appropriate diet once the rehydration phase is complete. |
| 16-20 kg | 1200 to 1600 mL over 4 hours | Sips as tolerated | Ensure ORS packets are dissolved in the exact amount of clean water specified on the packaging. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used to prevent and treat dehydration caused by diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating, by replenishing vital water and electrolytes.
Generic Name
Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)Branded Drug Names
Oral Rehydration Therapy 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.