Sugar and salt rehydration solution: what to know

The solution combines clean water with measured sugar and salt. The sugar helps the intestine absorb sodium and water; the salt replaces an electrolyte lost in body fluids. This makes the drink different from very sweet soft drinks, which can worsen diarrhoea for some people.

Use a commercially prepared oral rehydration product when available and follow its packet instructions exactly. An inaccurately mixed home drink may contain too much salt or sugar. Rehydration helps fluid loss, but it does not treat the cause, such as Gastroenteritis, Heat Exhaustion, or another illness.

Take frequent small sips. If vomiting occurs, pause briefly and restart with slower, smaller amounts. Continue suitable food when you can tolerate it, and keep breastfeeding or usual feeding for infants unless a clinician advises otherwise. Prepare fresh solution as directed and discard it within the time stated on the product instructions.

Watch for thirst, dry mouth, reduced urination, Dark Urine, tiredness, dizziness, or worsening weakness. People with kidney disease, heart failure, diabetes, or fluid restrictions should ask a clinician or pharmacist before using a homemade preparation.

Seek urgent care for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, breathing difficulty, blood in vomit or stool, severe abdominal pain, or inability to keep fluids down. Get prompt help for a child, older adult, or frail person who is becoming drowsy or passing very little urine. Persistent symptoms need assessment for the underlying cause, not just more fluid.

Which product and mixing instructions are suitable for me? How much should I sip while vomiting continues? Could my medicines or kidney function affect fluid replacement? What signs mean I need an examination?