What should you know about oral rehydration salts ORS solution?

ORS is a measured mixture of salts and glucose dissolved in clean water. The balance helps the intestine absorb fluid more effectively than plain water alone when losses include salts. It supports hydration but does not remove the cause of diarrhoea, vomiting, heat exposure, or another illness.

Use a commercially prepared sachet according to its label. The required water volume matters: an overly concentrated mixture can upset the body's salt balance, while an overly diluted mixture may not replace losses adequately. Do not add extra sugar or salt.

Mix the sachet with the stated amount of safe drinking water in a clean container. Give frequent small sips; if vomiting occurs, pause briefly and restart more slowly. Continue breastfeeding or usual feeds when possible. Prepare a fresh mixture as directed and discard any leftover solution according to the product instructions.

A pharmacist or clinician can help choose a suitable product for a child, older adult, or person with kidney, heart, or other medical problems. ORS is not a replacement for urgent assessment when fluid loss is severe.

Seek urgent help for confusion, unusual sleepiness, fainting, trouble breathing, inability to keep fluids down, very little urine, severe weakness, blood in stool or vomit, or worsening symptoms. A young child, frail older adult, or person with a serious long-term condition can become dehydrated quickly and should be assessed early.

Ask which product and mixing volume are appropriate, how often to offer it, how to adjust feeding during illness, and which signs mean you should attend urgent care.