Oral rehydration salts (ORS)
Oral rehydration salts is a rehydration found in 1 medicine sold in India, such as Electral. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.
Also called: ors, electrolytes
What it is used for
Replaces water and salts lost in diarrhoea, vomiting or heat.
How it works
Oral rehydration salts combine glucose, sodium, potassium and citrate in the exact proportion that lets the gut absorb water fastest. It is the WHO-recommended treatment for dehydration from diarrhoea.
How to take it
Mix one sachet in exactly the volume of clean water on the pack (usually 1 litre). Sip often; give after every loose stool. Throw away after 24 hours.
Common side effects
Vomiting if drunk too fast (pause 10 minutes and try smaller sips)
Get medical help straight away if
- Signs of dehydration that get worse: very little urine, sunken eyes, drowsiness, a baby's sunken soft spot
- Blood in stool
- Vomiting everything
Be careful
Mix exactly as directed in clean water.
Other medicines and interactions
No important interactions. Do not add sugar or salt.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Safe in pregnancy and while breastfeeding; keep breastfeeding a baby with diarrhoea.
Brands of Oral rehydration salts (1)
Common questions
What is Oral rehydration salts used for?
Replaces water and salts lost in diarrhoea, vomiting or heat.
How does Oral rehydration salts work?
Oral rehydration salts combine glucose, sodium, potassium and citrate in the exact proportion that lets the gut absorb water fastest. It is the WHO-recommended treatment for dehydration from diarrhoea.
How should I take Oral rehydration salts?
Mix one sachet in exactly the volume of clean water on the pack (usually 1 litre). Sip often; give after every loose stool. Throw away after 24 hours.
What are the side effects of Oral rehydration salts?
Common: Vomiting if drunk too fast (pause 10 minutes and try smaller sips). Get help straight away for: Signs of dehydration that get worse: very little urine, sunken eyes, drowsiness, a baby's sunken soft spot, blood in stool, vomiting everything.
Does Oral rehydration salts interact with other medicines?
No important interactions. Do not add sugar or salt.
Is Oral rehydration salts safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Safe in pregnancy and while breastfeeding; keep breastfeeding a baby with diarrhoea.
Does Oral rehydration salts need a prescription in India?
It is usually sold without a prescription in India, but ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a long-term illness.
Which brands contain Oral rehydration salts?
Electral.
Sources and further reading
- Oral rehydration salts (ORS): NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.
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