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. The WHO and UNICEF formula contains sodium chloride, glucose, potassium chloride and trisodium citrate. It is used to prevent and treat dehydration. It does not stop diarrhoea itself.
Also known as: ORS, WHO ORS, ORS powder, Oral rehydration solution, Rehydration salts, Electrolyte powder
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Oral rehydration salts (ORS) work?
Glucose helps the gut absorb sodium and water together, so the drink replaces the water and salts that diarrhoea washes out. The potassium replaces what is lost in the stool, and the citrate corrects the extra acid that builds up in the blood.
How to take Oral rehydration salts (ORS)
Mix exactly as the pack says, in the stated amount of clean drinking water, and follow the label or your doctor's advice about how much to drink.
Who should be careful
- Use the stated volume of water only; too little or too much water changes the balance of salts
- Babies, older people, and anyone vomiting often, passing very little urine or very drowsy need a doctor
- Kidney disease or heart failure: ask a doctor, because the drink contains sodium and potassium
- Do not add extra sugar or salt to the mixture
Type of medicine
Oral rehydration salts (ORS) belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Oral rehydration salts (ORS)
These medicines sold in India contain Oral rehydration salts (ORS). They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Electral · WHO low-osmolarity formula (VERIFY on pack) oral powder in a sachet, mixed with water
What is Oral rehydration salts (ORS) used for?
Medicines that contain Oral rehydration salts (ORS) are used for these conditions.
Common questions
What is in the WHO ORS formula?
Per litre of water: sodium chloride 2.6 g, anhydrous glucose 13.5 g, potassium chloride 1.5 g and trisodium citrate dihydrate 2.9 g, giving 245 mOsm/L. Indian packs can differ in sachet size and flavouring, so follow the pack.
Does ORS stop diarrhoea?
No. It replaces the lost water and salts so the body does not become dehydrated while the illness runs its course. Seek medical help for blood in the stool, repeated vomiting, severe thirst, drowsiness, or diarrhoea lasting more than a few days.
Sources
- Oral Rehydration Solution (Manual for Procurement & Supply of Quality-Assured MNCH Commodities). UNICEF/WHO-based procurement manual, ghsupplychain.org (file dated Nov 2022)
- Diarrhoeal disease. World Health Organization
- Diarrhoea and vomiting. NHS (UK)
- 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)