About ORS Powder (WHO formula) Sachet
ORS Powder (WHO formula) Sachet contains Oral Rehydration Salts (WHO formula). Oral rehydration salts (ORS) are a measured mix of salts and glucose that you dissolve in clean drinking water. The drink replaces the water and salts the body loses through diarrhoea, vomiting or heavy sweating. It is suitable for all ages when made up correctly.
Uses of ORS Powder (WHO formula) Sachet
- Prevention and treatment of dehydration due to diarrhoea
- Loss of fluids and salts due to vomiting
- Dehydration due to heat or heavy sweating
Benefits
In dehydration
It replaces lost water and salts faster than plain water, because the glucose helps the gut absorb the salts and water. It helps prevent dehydration from becoming serious. It does not stop diarrhoea by itself.
Side effects
If vomiting happens, wait about 10 minutes and then give it again more slowly, in small sips.
Common
- Vomiting if drunk too quickly
- Mild nausea
Get medical help if you notice
- Signs of severe dehydration — very sleepy or hard to wake, unable to drink, very little or no urine, sunken eyes, cold hands and feet — get medical help straight away
- Blood in the stool, high fever or vomiting that does not stop — see a doctor
- Swelling of the eyelids or body, which may mean too much ORS or that it was made up too strong — stop and see a doctor
How to use
Wash your hands. Empty the whole sachet into the exact amount of clean drinking water stated on the pack (boiled and cooled if possible) and stir until dissolved. Do not add sugar, salt or juice, and do not boil the made-up solution. Sip it slowly, or give it to a child by spoon or cup in small amounts. Throw away any left-over solution after 24 hours. Keep breastfeeding and eating normal food.
How it works
The body absorbs sodium and glucose together in the gut, and water follows them. This lets the body take up water and salts even during diarrhoea.
Safety advice
Alcohol Caution
Alcohol can make dehydration worse. Avoid it while you are unwell.
Pregnancy Safe
ORS simply replaces lost water and salts and is commonly used in pregnancy. See a doctor if diarrhoea or vomiting is severe or lasts more than a day.
Breastfeeding Safe
ORS can be used while breastfeeding. Keep breastfeeding a baby who has diarrhoea and give ORS as advised.
Driving Safe
ORS does not affect driving.
Kidney Consult your doctor
People with kidney disease may need limits on salt, potassium and fluid. Ask your doctor before using ORS.
Liver Consult your doctor
If you have liver disease with fluid build-up or are on a salt-restricted diet, ask your doctor before using ORS.
If you miss a dose
There is no fixed schedule. Keep sipping ORS regularly, especially after each loose stool, as long as the diarrhoea or vomiting continues or as your doctor advises.
Quick tips
- Always use the exact amount of water written on the pack — too strong or too weak can be harmful.
- Make a fresh solution every 24 hours.
- Keep eating normal food and keep breastfeeding during diarrhoea.
- People with diabetes should check blood sugar more often, as ORS contains glucose.
- See a doctor if a baby or young child has diarrhoea with fever, blood in stool or is not drinking.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Electrolyte and glucose mixture
- Therapeutic class
- Rehydration therapy
- Action class
- Oral fluid and electrolyte replacement
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Not required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Sugary drinks, juices and soft drinks | Do not mix with ORS; extra sugar can make diarrhoea worse |
| Potassium supplements and medicines that raise potassium (such as spironolactone) | ORS also contains potassium; ask your doctor, especially if you have kidney disease |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (WHO/UNICEF guidance on low-osmolarity oral rehydration salts; Oral rehydration salts product labelling (CDSCO-approved)). Pharmacist review pending.