Oral rehydration salts (ORS)
Low-osmolarity ORS treats and prevents dehydration from diarrhoea. Plan A after each loose stool, Plan B 75 mL/kg over 4 hours.
Common brands in Pakistan: ORS sachets from the national programme and many local brands. Brand availability changes; check with your pharmacy.
On this page
Uses
- Prevention of dehydration in diarrhoea (Plan A).
- Treatment of some dehydration (Plan B).
- After IV rehydration for severe dehydration (Plan C), as soon as the patient can drink.
- Oral fluid in dengue without warning signs.
Dose
| Situation | Volume |
|---|---|
| Plan A, under 2 years | 50–100 mL after each loose stool |
| Plan A, 2–10 years | 100–200 mL after each loose stool |
| Plan A, over 10 years | As much as wanted, at least 250 mL after each loose stool |
| Plan B (some dehydration) | 75 mL/kg over 4 hours, then reassess |
| After Plan C | About 5 mL/kg/hour once the patient can drink |
Use the ORS calculator for volumes by weight.
How to give it
- Dissolve one sachet in the volume of clean water written on the packet (usually 1 litre). Never make it stronger.
- Give small sips by cup and spoon. If the child vomits, wait 10 minutes and continue more slowly.
- Throw away mixed ORS after 24 hours.
- Keep breastfeeding and feeding.
Cautions
- Severe acute malnutrition: use ReSoMal, not standard ORS, following the WHO SAM protocol.
- Switch to IV fluids if the patient is in shock, unconscious, or cannot drink.
Frequently asked questions
How much ORS should a child with diarrhoea drink?
Under 2 years, 50–100 mL after each loose stool; 2–10 years, 100–200 mL. If the child has some dehydration, give 75 mL/kg over 4 hours under supervision.
Can I make ORS at home?
Use a packet whenever possible. Home-made solutions are easy to get wrong and too much salt is dangerous for small children.
Used in these guides
Sources
Doses on this page are typical doses from the sources above. Always confirm with a current drug reference, the product leaflet and your hospital protocol, especially in children, pregnancy and kidney or liver disease.