ORS – A Saline

Oral Rehydration Salts

COMPOSITION

1/2 liter (New ORS-A) formula (10.25 gm): Per sachet contains-

  • Sodium chloride 1.30gm
  • Potassium chloride 0.75 gm
  • Tri-sodium citrate dihydrate 1.45 gm
  • Glucose anhydrous 6.75 gm
PHARMACOLOGY

Oral rehydration salts are given orally to prevent or treat dehydration due to acute diarrhoea. Essential water and salts are lost in stools and vomiting, and dehydration results when blood volume is decreased because of fluid loss from the extracellular fluid compartment. Preservation of the facilitated glucose-sodium co-transport system in the small-bowel mucosa is the rationale of oral rehydration therapy. Glucose is actively absorbed in the normal intestine and carries sodium with it in about an equimolar ration. Therefore, there is a greater net absorption of an isotonic salt solution with glucose than one without it.

Potassium replacement during acute diarrhoea prevents below-normal serum concentrations of potassium, especially in children, in whom stool potassium losses are higher than in adults. Bicarbonates are effective in correcting the metabolic acidosis caused by diarrhoea and dehydration.

INDICATION

Oral Rehydration Salt (New ORS-A) is indicated in Diarrhoea (treatment) and Electrolyte depletion (prophylaxis and treatment)

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
  • Children less than 2 years: After each loose stool or vomiting 10 to 20 spoonful (50-100 ml).
  • Children 2 to 10 years: After each loose stool or vomiting 100-200 ml of prepared oral saline.
  • Adult and children above 10 years: After each loose stool or vomiting 200-400 ml of prepared saline.
CONTRAINDICATION

No known contraindications

WARNING AND PRECAUTION

Depressed renal function, severe continuing diarrhoea or other critical fluid losses may need supplementation with parenteral fluids along with oral saline. Solutions containing acetate or gluconate ions should be used with caution, as excess administration may result in metabolic alkalosis. Solutions containing dextrose should be used with caution in patients with known subclinical or overt diabetes mellitus.

SIDE EFFECTS

No known side effects

USE IN PREGNANCY AND LACTATION

FDA has not yet classified the drug into a specified pregnancy category

DRUG INTERACTION

There are no known drug interactions and none well documented.

STORAGE

Store at a cool & dry place, protect from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

PACKING

New ORS-A: Box containing 20 X 1’s sachet in ALu ALu pack

ORS – A Saline
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