Drug reference

Oral Rehydration Salts

Electrolyte · Antidiarrheal

Also known as WHO Oral Rehydration Solution, ORS, Electrolyte Powder for Oral Solution, ORS-WHO formula

ElectrolyteAntidiarrhealATC A07CA

CDSCO approvedOTCJan AushadhiATC A07CA

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

—

none in our sources

PREGNANCY

Not applicable; considered safe and essential during pregnancy.

FDA category + note

Available in India

4 branded formulations and 2 fixed-dose combinations. Look up specific brands in the Drugs workspace.

Jan Aushadhi — generic available at GoI pharmacies

Mechanism

ORS contains specific proportions of sodium, glucose, potassium, chloride, and citrate. Glucose facilitates the absorption of sodium and water in the small intestine via the SGLT1 co-transporter, even in the presence of diarrheal disease. This mechanism helps to rapidly restore fluid and electrolyte balance, correcting dehydration and metabolic acidosis.

Indications

Dehydration due to acute diarrhea of any etiology (including cholera)Prevention of dehydration during diarrheal episodes

Dosing

Adult: For mild-moderate dehydration, start with 200-400 mL after each loose stool. For initial rehydration, give 75 mL/kg over 4 hours. Maintenance: Replace ongoing losses.
Pediatric: For mild-moderate dehydration, give 10 mL/kg for each loose stool or vomiting episode. Initial rehydration (WHO Plan B): 75 mL/kg over 4 hours for children. For infants <1 year: 50-100 mL after each loose stool; 1-12 years: 100-200 mL after each loose stool.
Renal adjustment: Use with caution in severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min) due to risk of hyperkalemia or hypernatremia; monitor electrolytes. No specific adjustment otherwise required for mild-moderate impairment if patient is tolerating well and electrolytes are monitored regularly, as per clinician's discretion.…

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Fluid and electrolyte absorption begins rapidly, within minutes of ingestion.

Peak effect

Significant absorption and restoration of fluid balance generally observed within 1-2 hours.

Protein binding

Not applicable for inorganic salts and glucose; components are absorbed and utilized/excreted based on physiological needs. Therefore, it is important to clarify that protein binding is typically a property of drugs that interact with plasma proteins, like albumin.…

Contraindications

Paralytic ileus
Intestinal obstruction
Severe persistent vomiting making oral intake impossible
Unconsciousness
Severe dehydration (shock) requiring intravenous fluid resuscitation initially

Side effects

Common

NauseaVomiting (especially if consumed too quickly)Abdominal distension

Serious

Hypernatremia (rare, usually due to incorrect preparation or pre-existing severe electrolyte imbalance)
Hyperkalemia (rare, usually due to incorrect preparation or pre-existing severe electrolyte imbalance, especially in patients with renal dysfunction)