Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS): Electrolytes Used in Replacement Therapy

Preparation

• 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

• 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