Oral rehydration solutions (ORS)
When a child has diarrhea or is vomiting, it is important to prevent dehydration. Oral rehydration solutions (ORSs), such as Pedialyte or Gastrolyte, are used to prevent or correct dehydration in young children. ORSs contain the right mix of salt, sugar, potassium, and other minerals to help replace lost fluids.
In the first 4 to 6 hours after diarrhea or vomiting has started, give your child the following amount of ORS.
Child's weight
Mild dehydration
Moderate dehydration
3 kg (7 lb)
125 mL (4 fl oz)
250 mL (10 fl oz)
4 kg (9 lb)
175 mL (6 fl oz)
350 mL (12 fl oz)
4.5 kg (10 lb)
225 mL (8 fl oz)
450 mL (15 fl oz)
5 kg (11 lb)
265 mL (9 fl oz)
550 mL (19 fl oz)
6 kg (13 lb)
300 mL (10 fl oz)
625 mL (21 fl oz)
7 kg (15 lb)
350 mL (12 fl oz)
700 mL (24 fl oz)
8 kg (18 lb)
400 mL (14 fl oz)
800 mL (27 fl oz)
9 kg (20 lb)
450 mL (15 fl oz)
900 mL (30 fl oz)
10 kg (22 lb)
500 mL (17 fl oz)
975 mL (33 fl oz)
11 kg (24 lb)
530 mL (18 fl oz)
1 L (34 fl oz)
12 kg (28 lb)
575 mL (19 fl oz)
1 L (34 fl oz)
13 kg (29 lb)
625 mL (21 fl oz)
1 L (34 fl oz)
14 kg (31 lb)
675 mL (23 fl oz)
1 L (34 fl oz)
15 kg (33 lb)
750 mL (25 fl oz)
1 L (34 fl oz)
Allow your child to drink as much fluid as he or she wants. Small amounts at frequent intervals are usually better tolerated. Replace any additional fluid lost through diarrhea or vomiting.
Watch for signs of dehydration. If your child develops signs of dehydration, increase the amount of fluid you are giving.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: August 28, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics | |
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