Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)
Powder to mix with water
Quick Summary
ORS replaces the water and salts lost in diarrhoea. It has saved millions of lives, especially of children.
Medical Uses
How it's taken
Mix one packet in the exact amount of clean drinking water shown on the packet, and give small, frequent sips. Make a fresh solution every day.
Continue breastfeeding and normal food. Give zinc to children with diarrhoea as advised.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you and how long to take it.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you. Follow their instructions and the label.
Common Side Effects
Vomiting
If drunk too quickly; give smaller sips.
Few side effects
When mixed correctly.
Salt imbalance
If mixed with too little water.
Interactions
Few interactions
Generally safe.
Critical Warnings
Severe dehydration
Black Box Warning: Drowsiness, no urine or sunken eyes need hospital care.
Mix correctly
Too strong or too weak a solution doesn't work well.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Oral rehydration salts(opens in a new tab) · World Health Organization