Oral rehydration solutions
Oral rehydration solutions are salt and sugar powders mixed with clean water to replace fluid lost in diarrhoea. The WHO and UNICEF formula is the standard. They are used to prevent and treat dehydration. They do not stop diarrhoea, and a doctor should be seen if it is severe or lasts long.
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How do Oral rehydration solutions work?
Glucose helps the gut absorb sodium and water together, so the drink replaces the water and salts that diarrhoea washes out.
Active ingredients of this type
These active ingredients belong to Oral rehydration solutions. They are listed A to Z.
- Oral rehydration salts (ORS): Oral rehydration salts are a powder of glucose and salts that is mixed with clean water and drunk to replace fluid lost in diarrhoea.
Common questions
Is a sports drink or fruit juice the same as ORS?
No. Fruit juice and fizzy drinks can make diarrhoea worse, as the NHS notes. ORS has a set balance of salts and glucose. Use a proper ORS sachet and mix it exactly as the pack says.
Sources
- Oral Rehydration Solution (Manual for Procurement & Supply of Quality-Assured MNCH Commodities). UNICEF/WHO-based procurement manual, ghsupplychain.org (file dated Nov 2022)
- Diarrhoea and vomiting. NHS (UK)
- Diarrhoeal disease. World Health Organization
- ATC/DDD Index: A07CA oral rehydration salt formulations. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)