Reduced-osmolarity oral rehydration solution

Background

Children-who-receive-ors.png
Cholera patient drinking oral rehydration solution (ORS) to counteract cholera-induced dehydration.
  • This is the current ORS solution recommended for oral re-hydration of children and adults
  • In 2003, WHO and UNICEF recommended that the osmolarity of ORS be reduced from 311 to 245 mOsm/L .[1]
  • Need for unscheduled supplemental IV therapy in children given this solution was reduced by 33%

Contents

Components:[2]

  • 2.6g NaCl
  • 2.9g Trisodium citrate
  • 1.5 g KCl
  • 13.5 g glucose
  • per 1L of water


  • Sodium = 75 mEq/L
  • Glucose = 75 mmol/L
  • Total osmolarity = 245 mOsm/L

Preparations

There are multiple different brands selling ORS solutions. Check to confirm their formulation is consistent with current guidelines.

Commercially Available

  • Pedialyte
  • Rehydralyte
  • Infalyte

Reduced-Osmolarity ORS Homemade Solution[3]

Component Amount Grams
Sugar 6 level teaspoons 25.2
Salt (NaCl) 0.5 teaspoons 2.1
Water 1 liter 1,000

Directions

  • Should be encouraged to drink frequent, small sips
    • Even patients who are vomiting can often be treated orally if they take small frequent sips
  • Vomiting frequently subsides acidosis is corrected

See Also

External Links

References