Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS)

Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are widely considered to be the best method for combating the dehydration caused by diarrhea. They consist of a solution of salts and other substances, such as glucose, sucrose or molasses, and are taken orally.

ORS are often used in poorer nations as an inexpensive way of reducing the millions of deaths caused each year by diarrhea. Hikers and backpackers also often carry packaged oral rehydration salts that can be mixed with water in case of diarrhea when in the back country. ORS are often helpful for traveler's diarrhea. Packaged ORS can be found in many sporting stores that sell hiking gear.

If you are unable to locate the pre-mixed formula and you have the right ingredients, you can make your own ORS. The following recipes rely on exact proportions of salt and sugar, so use a measuring spoon. Too much or too little salt or sugar can have serious consequences, especially in infants and children, when replacing diarrhea fluid loss.

* For Children
* For Adults

For Children

There are commercially available solutions for children such as Pedialyte, Ricelyte, etc.

Parents can also make their own by mixing the following:

* 1 liter/quart of purified water
* 1/2 teaspoon of table salt
* 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
* 8 teaspoons of sugar or 2 teaspoons of Karo syrup
* 1/4 teaspoon of salt substitute (provides potassium)

or (food based):

* 1 liter/quart of purified water
* 8 ounces (approximately 1/2 pound) of mashed potatoes, boiled and cooled
* 1/2 teaspoon of table salt
* 1/4 teaspoon of salt substitute (provides potassium)

Start with small volumes given by teaspoon every 15 to 20 minutes. The volume can be increased as tolerated by the child. During the first four to six hours, a one-year-old child should use at least 4 ounces per hour (two tablespoons equals one ounce). After the initial four hours, the one-year-old child (about 22 pounds) should take about 1/2 cup of ORS per diarrheal stool, in addition to routine amounts of fluids. Infants should take less.

In the initial four to six hours, older children should take about 3/4 to 1 1/2 ounces for each pound (that's 8 ounces per hour for a 40-pound child) as tolerated. After that, 1/2 to 1 cup of ORS per diarrheal stool is recommended.
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For Adults


Adults can also make their own electrolyte replacement drinks with a formula from the U.S. Public Health Service. Sip alternately from each glass below until you quench your thirst.

Glass 1:
# 8 ounces of orange, apple or other pure water fruit juice (for potassium); 1/2 teaspoon of honey or corn syrup (for glucose, which is necessary for absorption of salts); and 1/4 teaspoon of table salt.

Glass 2:
# 8 ounces of pure water plus 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).

If fruit juice is unavailable or can't be tolerated, cream of tartar is an alternative source of potassium that you can use as follows:

* 1 quart of water with 1 teaspoon of baking soda
* 1 tablespoon of corn syrup
* 4 teaspoon of cream of tartar

2003. Used by permission. Gary R. Fujimoto, M.D.; Marc R. Robin, ANP; and Bradford L. Dessery. The Traveler's Medical Guide. Prairie Smoke Press.