ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts): Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Low-osmolarity oral rehydration salts (Powder sachet, Rehydration therapy) - WHO-recommended solution that replaces fluid and salts lost in diarrhoea and vomiting.

Overview

Oral rehydration salts (ORS) are a simple, low-cost mixture of glucose and salts that has saved millions of lives. WHO and UNICEF recommend low-osmolarity ORS to treat dehydration from diarrhoea. For children, ORS is given together with zinc supplements.

How It Works

Glucose helps the gut absorb sodium, and water follows, restoring hydration more efficiently than plain water.

Uses (Indications)

• Diarrhoea and vomiting
• Dehydration from heat or illness
• Recovery in dengue as advised

Dosage: General Label Information

Contraindications: Who Should Not Take It

• Severe dehydration with shock or inability to drink - needs hospital IV fluids
• Bowel obstruction

Side Effects

• Vomiting if taken too fast
• Wrong mixing can harm - follow instructions

Interactions

• No major interactions

Storage

Store sachets in a cool, dry place.

Patient Counselling Tips

• Measure water accurately
• Continue breastfeeding and normal food
• Give zinc to children as advised

When to See a Doctor

• Blood in stools
• No urine for 8 hours or more
• Very sleepy or floppy child
• Persistent vomiting

Before You Take ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts)

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have kidney, liver or heart problems, have had an allergic reaction to any medicine, or take other prescription medicines, herbal remedies or supplements. Bring a list of everything you take to every appointment.

Using It Safely

ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts) is usually taken only when needed. Keep to the label limits, note the time of each dose, and do not combine it with other products containing the same active ingredient. If you need it regularly for more than a few days, speak to a doctor so the cause can be checked.

Frequently Asked Questions

This ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts) guide is educational, based on official labelling and public guidance, and reviewed by the ghkh.site editorial team. Always read the leaflet in your pack and ask your pharmacist.