Electrolytes for dehydration: what to know

Dehydration occurs when fluid loss exceeds intake. Water is lost with sodium and other electrolytes through sweat, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever or reduced drinking. Thirst, dry mouth, tiredness, dizziness and darker urine can occur. Gastroenteritis and heat exhaustion are common settings for fluid loss, but dark urine can have other causes. People with kidney or heart problems may need individual advice because excess fluid or minerals can also be harmful.

Take small, frequent sips of a suitable oral rehydration drink when illness makes drinking difficult. Continue as tolerated and choose light foods when appetite returns. Avoid relying on very sugary drinks or homemade mixtures with uncertain salt amounts. Rest in a cool place after heat exposure. Monitor whether urination and alertness improve. Read about [Dehydration](/conditions/dehydration/) and [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/) if those symptoms continue.

Get urgent medical help for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, inability to keep fluids down, very little urine, rapid breathing, or worsening dizziness. A child, older adult, pregnant person, or someone with a chronic illness may deteriorate quickly and should be assessed early. Seek care when vomiting or diarrhoea persists, or after heat exposure if recovery does not begin with cooling and fluids.

Which rehydration drink is suitable for me? How much should I drink with my medicines or kidney condition? What signs mean I need an examination or intravenous fluids?