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Cholera Saline: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Cholera Saline is an electrolyte-glucose rehydration therapy used to replace fluid and electrolyte losses caused by diarrhoeal illness.

Forms:IV Infusion

About Cholera Saline

Indications of Cholera Saline

Cholera Saline is an electrolyte-glucose rehydration therapy used to replace fluid and electrolyte losses caused by diarrhoeal illness. Its use is classified by strength of evidence as follows:

  • Established, first-line use (WHO/UNICEF-endorsed): Prevention and treatment of dehydration due to acute watery diarrhoea of any cause, including cholera, in infants, children, and adults.
  • Guideline-supported use: Maintenance fluid and electrolyte replacement during and after an episode of diarrhoea or vomiting, alongside continued feeding or breastfeeding.
  • Adjunct use: As follow-on oral therapy after initial intravenous fluid resuscitation in patients who presented with severe dehydration and have since been stabilised.
  • Not indicated as sole therapy: In severe dehydration with hypovolemic shock, oral Cholera Saline alone is not sufficient; immediate intravenous fluid replacement is required (an intravenous electrolyte solution may also be marketed under the same name for this purpose, and must only be given by a qualified health professional).

Dosage & Administration of Cholera Saline

The following is general guidance; a physician's advice or the packaging instructions for the specific Cholera Saline product should always be followed.

Preparation (oral form)

Dissolve the entire contents of one sachet of Cholera Saline in the exact volume of clean, safe (boiled and cooled, or otherwise safe) drinking water stated on the pack — usually 200 mL, 500 mL, or 1 litre. Do not add sugar, salt, or other substances. Use the freshly prepared solution within 24 hours and discard any unused portion after that time.

Dosing by age and severity

SituationRecommended amount
No visible dehydration (prevention), under 2 years50–100 mL of Cholera Saline solution after each loose stool
No visible dehydration (prevention), 2–10 years100–200 mL after each loose stool
No visible dehydration (prevention), over 10 years/adultsAt least 200–400 mL after each loose stool, or as much as wanted
Some dehydration (first 4 hours)Approximately 75 mL per kg body weight, given in small, frequent sips
Severe dehydrationOral Cholera Saline alone is inadequate; urgent intravenous fluid therapy under medical supervision is required, followed by oral Cholera Saline once the patient can drink

Continue breastfeeding and normal age-appropriate feeding throughout treatment with Cholera Saline. Give small sips frequently, especially if vomiting occurs; if vomiting continues, wait about 10 minutes and resume more slowly. Seek medical care urgently for signs of severe dehydration such as lethargy, sunken eyes, very little or no urine, persistent vomiting, blood in the stool, or inability to drink.

Side Effects of Cholera Saline

When Cholera Saline is prepared and used correctly, side effects are uncommon. Reported effects include:

  • Nausea or vomiting, particularly if the solution is drunk too quickly.
  • Abdominal distension or bloating.
  • Hyperkalemia, hypernatremia, or fluid overload — mainly with incorrect (over-concentrated) preparation, excessive intravenous use, or in patients with renal or cardiac impairment (see Precautions and Warnings).
  • Rarely, injection-site reactions when an intravenous form of Cholera Saline is used.

Contraindications of Cholera Saline

True absolute contraindications to Cholera Saline are limited:

  • Known hypersensitivity to any component of the specific Cholera Saline formulation.
  • Oral form: Intractable or persistent vomiting that prevents adequate oral intake; paralytic ileus or mechanical intestinal obstruction; and severe dehydration with hypovolemic shock or impaired consciousness where oral intake risks aspiration — these situations require intravenous fluid therapy instead of oral Cholera Saline.
  • Potassium-containing formulations: Anuria or severe oliguria (inability to excrete potassium).

Milder concerns such as renal impairment, cardiac disease, or diabetes are precautions requiring dose adjustment and monitoring, not absolute contraindications (see Precautions and Warnings).

Frequently Asked Questions about Cholera Saline

What is Cholera Saline used for?

Cholera Saline is an oral (and, in some forms, intravenous) rehydration therapy used to prevent and treat dehydration caused by diarrhoea and vomiting, including diarrhoea due to cholera. It replaces the water, sodium, potassium, chloride, and other electrolytes lost in loose stools.

How do I prepare and give Cholera Saline correctly?

Dissolve one full sachet of Cholera Saline in the exact amount of clean, safe drinking water stated on the pack — never more or less. Give small, frequent sips, especially to infants and young children, and continue breastfeeding if applicable. Use the prepared solution within 24 hours and discard any leftover after that.

Can Cholera Saline be given to infants and during pregnancy?

Yes. Cholera Saline is considered a first-line treatment for dehydration at any age, including infants, when correctly prepared and dosed. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, Cholera Saline should be used only as clearly needed for genuine dehydration and, ideally, under medical advice, since untreated dehydration itself carries risk; breastfeeding should continue alongside treatment.

When should I stop oral Cholera Saline and seek emergency care instead?

Seek urgent medical care immediately if there is persistent vomiting that prevents drinking, sunken eyes, very little or no urine output, unusual sleepiness or difficulty waking, blood in the stool, or an inability to drink at all — these indicate severe dehydration, possible intestinal obstruction, or shock, situations in which oral Cholera Saline alone is not enough and intravenous fluid therapy is required.

Are there any side effects or risks with Cholera Saline?

When mixed and used correctly, Cholera Saline is very safe. Occasional nausea, vomiting if drunk too fast, or bloating can occur. Preparing it with too little water, using excessive intravenous amounts, or using potassium-containing formulations in someone with kidney failure or anuria can cause serious problems such as hypernatremia, hyperkalemia, or fluid overload, so always follow the exact preparation instructions and medical advice, especially in people with kidney or heart disease.

Does Cholera Saline interact with other medicines?

Cholera Saline has few significant drug interactions. However, if it contains potassium, using it together with potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or other medicines that raise potassium levels can increase the risk of hyperkalemia, particularly in people with kidney problems. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take before starting Cholera Saline.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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