Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS): Electrolytes

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)

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

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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