How do you take Oral Rehydration Salts?

Dissolve the full contents of one sachet in the exact amount of clean drinking water stated on the packet (usually 200ml or 1 litre depending on the brand). Stir well until the powder dissolves completely. Sip the solution frequently, as adults should drink as much as they need after each episode of watery stool or vomiting. Do not add sugar, salt, or anything else to the solution. Drink the prepared solution within 24 hours and throw away any leftover.

What are the side effects of Oral Rehydration Salts?

Mild nausea when you first start drinking it, slight vomiting if you drink too much too fast, the salty taste may be unpleasant to some people

Who should not take Oral Rehydration Salts?

People with severe kidney problems should consult a doctor before using ORS. People who are vomiting non-stop and cannot keep any fluid down need IV (drip) fluids at a hospital instead. Do not use ORS if the sachet is torn, discoloured, or expired.

OTC

Electrolyte and fluid replacement

Oral Rehydration Salts

Q: What is Oral Rehydration Salts used for?

Diarrhoea (running stomach), vomiting, dehydration from cholera, dehydration from heat or excessive sweating, fluid loss from fever

Last reviewed July 2026

Who is this for?

For adults (18+). Standard adult dosing applies: see the How to Take tab for full instructions.

What is this drug?

Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) is a mixture of clean water, salt, and sugar that replaces the fluids and minerals your body loses during diarrhoea or vomiting. It works by helping your intestines absorb water and essential salts more effectively so your body can recover.

How it works

Replaces fluid and electrolytes lost through diarrhoea and vomiting by providing sodium, chloride, potassium, and glucose; glucose facilitates sodium absorption in the small intestine via SGLT1 cotransporters, thereby enhancing water reabsorption through osmotic and active transport mechanisms.

What is it used for?

Diarrhoea (running stomach)vomitingdehydration from choleradehydration from heat or excessive sweatingfluid loss from fever

Browse by condition

Fever Diarrhea & Dysentery Nausea & Vomiting Dehydration & Rehydration Typhoid

Available Over The Counter

Get this from any pharmacy or chemist: no prescription needed.

Quick Interaction Check

Is Oral safe to take with another drug?

Check with multiple drugs →

Similar drugs

Sodium Chloride

Explore this drug

What to watch out for

Always use the correct amount of clean water as stated on the packet, as using too little water makes the solution too concentrated and can be dangerous, especially for children. Buy only from reputable pharmacies and check for NAFDAC registration, and avoid buying from roadside sellers or open markets where storage conditions are poor. ORS treats dehydration but does not cure the cause of diarrhoea, so if symptoms persist beyond 2 days, see a doctor. Popular brands in Nigeria include Emzolyte ORS, Pinnacle ORS, and Ytalyte ORS.

Common Side Effects

Mild nausea when you first start drinking it
slight vomiting if you drink too much too fast
the salty taste may be unpleasant to some people

Serious Side Effects

Swelling of the hands
feet
or face (sign of too much salt in the body)
if diarrhoea gets worse or does not improve after 24–48 hours seek medical attention immediately
if the person becomes very drowsy or stops urinating go to the hospital right away as this is a sign of severe dehydration.

Drug Interactions

ORS is generally safe to take alongside most medicines. However, if you are taking medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems, let your doctor know since ORS contains sodium (salt). If you are on any medication, space it at least 1–2 hours from ORS to make sure the other drug is properly absorbed.

Check your specific combination

Is it safe to take Oral with your other drugs?

Check →

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

ORS is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In fact, it is recommended to prevent dehydration from diarrhoea or vomiting in pregnant and nursing mothers.

Who Should NOT Take This

People with severe kidney problems should consult a doctor before using ORS. People who are vomiting non-stop and cannot keep any fluid down need IV (drip) fluids at a hospital instead. Do not use ORS if the sachet is torn
discoloured
or expired.

How to Store

Store unopened sachets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. In hot Nigerian weather, keep them in a cupboard, not near the kitchen stove or in a hot car. Once mixed with water, keep the solution covered and use within 24 hours. Keep sachets away from children to prevent them from eating the powder dry.

For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.