What should you know about dehydration solution?

Oral rehydration solutions contain a measured balance of water, salts and sugar. This combination helps the intestine take up fluid, making it useful when ordinary water alone may not replace losses. It does not cure the infection, heat illness or other problem that caused dehydration.

A sports drink, juice or homemade mixture may not have the same balance. Use a commercially prepared product according to its label, particularly for a child or someone with kidney, heart or metabolic disease. Gastroenteritis and heat exhaustion are common settings in which professional advice may be useful.

Mix the product exactly as directed with the stated amount of clean water. Sip small amounts frequently; if vomiting occurs, pause briefly and restart with slower sips. Do not add extra powder, sugar or salt, and discard prepared solution as directed on the packet. Continue feeding a child if they want food, unless a clinician advises otherwise.

Water can still be taken alongside the solution. Monitor alertness, thirst and urine output. Read more about [Dehydration](/conditions/dehydration/) if you need help recognising fluid loss.

Seek urgent help for confusion, fainting, severe drowsiness, very little urine or inability to keep any fluid down. Obtain prompt advice for ongoing diarrhoea or vomiting, blood in stool, severe abdominal pain, high fever or worsening weakness. Infants, older adults and people with chronic illness can deteriorate quickly.

Ask which product is suitable, how much to take, how long to continue it and whether your medicines or health conditions change the advice. Tell the clinician about urine output, vomiting frequency and any fever or diarrhoea.