osudhkosh

Generic

Oral rehydration salt [rice based]

6 brands available in the market

At a glance

Oral rehydration salt [rice based] is used to replace fluid and electrolyte loss due to cholera, acute diarrhea and vomiting. It contains processed rice powder which provides carbohydrate instead of glucose and reduces osmolarity of the solution.

Description

Rice-based ORS contains sodium chloride, potassium chloride, tri-sodium citrate dihydrate and processed rice powder. Rice carbohydrate is digested to glucose which enhances sodium and water absorption in the intestine. Rice reduces osmolarity of the solution, preventing additional fluid loss through stools.

Indications
  • Acute fluid and electrolyte loss due to cholera
  • Acute diarrhea and vomiting
  • Dehydration
  • Severe electrolyte depletion
Therapeutic class

Oral Electrolyte Preparations

Pharmacological class

Rice-based Rehydration Salt

Pharmacology

Rice carbohydrate is digested to glucose which enhances sodium and water absorption in the intestine. Rice reduces osmolarity of the solution, preventing additional fluid loss through stools. Citrate corrects acidosis caused by diarrhea and dehydration.

Mechanism of action

Prevents dehydration by replacing water and electrolyte loss during diarrhea and vomiting.

Dosage

Prevention and Treatment of Dehydration:

  • Give recommended dose after each watery stool
  • 6 months-2 years: 50-100 ml (10-20 teaspoonfuls)
  • 2-9 years: 100-200 ml (20-40 teaspoonfuls)
  • 10 years+: 250-500 ml (1-2 glasses)

Preparation:

  • Mix 1 sachet in 250 ml or 500 ml hot boiled water
  • Use when milky white solution appears
Administration
  • Use within 5 hours of preparation
  • Do not heat or boil after reconstitution
  • Do not use feeding bottle
  • Stir with clean spoon before each use
  • Syringe without needle may be used for babies
Missed dose

Not generally applicable (take as needed); consult doctor if needed.

Side effects

Side Effects:

  • No side effects when prepared and used correctly
Precautions & warnings
  • Caution in oliguria, anuria, intestinal obstruction, shock, intractable vomiting, severe dehydration, severe diarrhea in infants
  • Caution in electrolyte imbalance, severely decreased kidney and liver function
Contraindications
  • Oliguria (diminished urine production)
  • Anuria (preventing urine production)
  • Obstruction of stomach or intestines
  • Shock (reduced blood flow to vital organs)
  • Intractable vomiting
  • Severe dehydration
  • Severe diarrhea in infants
Drug interactions

No known drug interactions.

Food interactions

Take with food for better absorption.

Use in pregnancy

Use in Pregnancy: Safe and beneficial during pregnancy; no known harmful effects.

Pregnancy Category: A — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.

Use in lactation

Use in Lactation: Safe and beneficial during lactation; no known harmful effects.

Pediatric use

Indicated for children 6 months+.

Geriatric use

Safe for all ages.

Renal / hepatic impairment

Renal Impairment: Caution in severely decreased kidney function; dose adjustment may be needed.

Hepatic Impairment: Caution in severely decreased liver function; dose adjustment may be needed.

Overdose effects

Overdose may cause electrolyte imbalance; symptomatic treatment.

Storage conditions

Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light & moisture; keep out of reach of children.

Chemical structure

Rice-based Oral Rehydration Salt

Common questions

What does rice-based ORS do?
It prevents dehydration by replacing water and salt loss from cholera, diarrhea and vomiting.
How to use it?
Mix 1 sachet in 250 or 500 ml hot water and take after each loose motion.
What are the side effects?
No side effects when used correctly.
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only — not a substitute for medical advice. Consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.