Preparation of Oral Rehydration Salt
- ORS is a balanced mixture of electrolytes and glucose, formulated to prevent and treat dehydration caused by diarrhea or other conditions leading to fluid loss.
Typical ORS Composition:
- Sodium chloride (NaCl)
- Potassium chloride (KCl)
- Trisodium citrate dihydrate (Na₃C₆H₅O₇·2H₂O) or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃)
- Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆)
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WHO-Recommended Composition:
- Sodium chloride: 2.6 g
- Potassium chloride: 1.5 g
- Trisodium citrate dihydrate: 2.9 g (or sodium bicarbonate: 2.5 g)
- Glucose: 13.5 g
- Typically, available as a dry powder to be dissolved in water to prepare an oral rehydration solution
Properties of Oral Rehydration Salt:
- White, crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water, forming a clear, colorless solution
- The resulting solution has a slightly salty taste due to the presence of electrolytes
- The glucose in ORS facilitates the absorption of sodium and water in the intestines, enhancing rehydration
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Uses
- Used to prevent and treat dehydration caused by diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating
- Particularly useful in treating dehydration in infants and young children
- Essential in the management of acute gastroenteritis, cholera, and other diarrheal diseases
- Can be used to prevent dehydration in individuals at risk of fluid loss, such as athletes or those working in hot environments
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