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Oral Rehydration Salt [Powder]: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Oral Rehydration Salt [Powder] is indicated for the prevention and treatment of dehydration caused by fluid and electrolyte loss and more.

About Oral Rehydration Salt [Powder]

Indications of Oral Rehydration Salt [Powder]

Oral Rehydration Salt [Powder] is indicated for the prevention and treatment of dehydration caused by fluid and electrolyte loss, most commonly from acute diarrhea (including diarrhea due to cholera and other gastrointestinal infections) and vomiting, in patients of all ages.

  • Established use: Replacement of fluid and electrolytes lost in mild to moderate dehydration due to diarrhea and/or vomiting.
  • Established use: Maintenance of hydration during ongoing fluid losses (e.g., continuing diarrhea) once initial rehydration is complete.
  • Guideline-supported (WHO/UNICEF, AAP): First-line home and clinic management of acute watery diarrhea in children and adults, alongside continued feeding/breastfeeding.
  • Adjunct use: Supportive fluid replacement for fluid loss from causes such as excessive sweating or reduced fluid intake, when the person can drink and is not severely dehydrated.

Oral Rehydration Salt [Powder] is not a treatment for the underlying cause of diarrhea (e.g., it is not an antibiotic or antidiarrheal); it treats dehydration only. Severe dehydration, persistent vomiting preventing oral intake, or shock requires urgent medical evaluation and intravenous fluids rather than reliance on Oral Rehydration Salt [Powder] alone.

Dosage & Administration of Oral Rehydration Salt [Powder]

Oral Rehydration Salt [Powder] must always be reconstituted with the correct volume of clean, safe drinking water before use (see Reconstitution). It should be given in small, frequent sips, especially in children and after each episode of vomiting.

Age GroupAmount after each loose stool/vomiting episode
Infants and children under 2 years50-100 mL (approximately 10-20 teaspoons)
Children 2-10 years100-200 mL (approximately half to one glass)
Children over 10 years and adults200-400 mL (approximately one to two glasses)

For mild to moderate dehydration, an initial replacement volume of approximately 75 mL/kg body weight over the first 4 hours is generally recommended by WHO guidance, in addition to ongoing maintenance replacement for continuing losses, followed by reassessment. A physician or health worker should individualize therapy, particularly in infants, the elderly, and those with underlying illness.

Continue breastfeeding, normal feeding, and other fluids during Oral Rehydration Salt [Powder] therapy; do not withhold food. If vomiting occurs, wait 10 minutes and then resume giving Oral Rehydration Salt [Powder] more slowly. Severe dehydration (sunken eyes, lethargy, inability to drink, very little or no urine output) is a medical emergency requiring immediate care and possible intravenous fluids.

Side Effects of Oral Rehydration Salt [Powder]

Oral Rehydration Salt [Powder] is generally very well tolerated when reconstituted and administered correctly. Reported adverse effects are uncommon and usually related to incorrect preparation or excessive/rapid intake:

  • Vomiting (usually related to rate of administration; give more slowly if this occurs).
  • Abdominal distension or bloating.
  • Hypernatremia or hyperkalemia (rare, generally due to using less water than directed, using the solution in patients with impaired renal function, or excessive intake).
  • Puffiness/mild swelling of the eyelids or extremities has been reported rarely with correct use, particularly if larger than needed volumes are given.

Contraindications of Oral Rehydration Salt [Powder]

Oral Rehydration Salt [Powder] is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation. It is also contraindicated in the following situations where oral rehydration is inappropriate or unsafe:

  • Severe dehydration with signs of shock, or when the patient is unable to drink (e.g., unconsciousness, severe lethargy) - these require immediate intravenous fluid therapy instead.
  • Intestinal obstruction, paralytic ileus, or perforated bowel.
  • Uncontrolled or intractable vomiting that prevents retention of oral fluids.
  • Severe/anuric renal failure, where the ability to excrete a potassium and sodium load is compromised, unless under direct medical supervision.

Frequently Asked Questions about Oral Rehydration Salt [Powder]

What is Oral Rehydration Salt [Powder] used for?

Oral Rehydration Salt [Powder] is used to prevent and treat dehydration caused by fluid loss from diarrhea, vomiting, or other causes of fluid loss, in people of all ages. It replaces water, sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes lost from the body.

How do I prepare Oral Rehydration Salt [Powder] correctly?

Dissolve the entire contents of one sachet in the exact amount of clean, safe drinking water stated on the label (commonly 200 mL, 500 mL, or 1 liter). Do not use less water than directed, as this can concentrate the solution and cause dangerous hypernatremia (high blood sodium); do not add extra sugar or salt. Stir until fully dissolved before drinking.

How much Oral Rehydration Salt [Powder] should I give my child?

As a general guide: children under 2 years should be given 50-100 mL, children 2-10 years 100-200 mL, and those over 10 years/adults 200-400 mL of Oral Rehydration Salt [Powder] solution after each loose stool or episode of vomiting, in addition to normal fluid intake. A doctor may individualize this based on the degree of dehydration.

How long can I keep prepared Oral Rehydration Salt [Powder] solution?

Once mixed with water, Oral Rehydration Salt [Powder] solution should be used within the time stated on the label, usually 12-24 hours, and any unused solution should then be discarded due to the risk of bacterial contamination. Always prepare a fresh batch for further doses.

Is Oral Rehydration Salt [Powder] safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Oral Rehydration Salt [Powder] is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding when prepared and dosed correctly, as it simply replaces normal body fluids and electrolytes. However, pregnant or breastfeeding women with dehydration, especially if severe or not improving, should consult a physician rather than relying on Oral Rehydration Salt [Powder] alone.

When should I seek medical help instead of relying on Oral Rehydration Salt [Powder] alone?

Seek immediate medical attention if there is persistent vomiting preventing you from keeping fluids down, signs of severe dehydration (sunken eyes, very dry mouth, lethargy or confusion, little or no urination), blood in the stool, high fever, or if diarrhea continues beyond 48-72 hours despite using Oral Rehydration Salt [Powder] - these situations may require intravenous fluids or further medical evaluation rather than oral rehydration alone.

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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