ORS is useful for relieving dehydration, especially those caused by diarrhea. ORS is safe for consumption by anyone, be it infants, children, or adults.
Diarrhea can cause the sufferer to become dehydrated. Some signs that can occur when the body is dehydrated are the appearance of extreme thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, and headaches. Dehydration that continues and is not treated can be fatal. It is even still one of the main causes of death in infants and children.
ORS can be used to treat fluid loss due to diarrhea. ORS can also replace lost electrolytes from the body.
ORS content
ORS is packaged in powder form of 4.1 grams in each sachet. This drug is used by dissolving it in 200 ml of water. Each ORS sachet contains the following ingredients:
- Anhydrous glucose 2.7 grams.
- Potassium chloride 0.3 grams.
- Sodium Chloride 0.52 grams.
- Trisodium citrate dihydrate 0.58 grams.
What is ORS?
| Composition | Anhydrous glucose, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, trisodium citrate dihydrate |
| group | Free medicine |
| Category | Electrolyte |
| Benefit | Relieves dehydration due to diarrhea by replacing lost fluids and salts from the body |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| ORS for pregnant and lactating women | Category N: Uncategorized Consult with your doctor first if pregnant or breastfeeding women want to take ORS. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, do not take ORS without a doctor's advice. |
| Drug form | Solution powder |
Warnings Before Taking ORS:
- Tell your doctor if you have hypertension, diabetes, kidney failure, cirrhosis, or heart disease.
- If used to treat dehydration, be sure to also drink more water.
- Consult your doctor first if you want to use other drugs while using ORS.
- Do not use ORS if you have a history of allergies to the drug content in it.
- Call your doctor if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after taking ORS.
Dosage and Rules for taking ORS
ORS dosage for diarrhea is divided based on the age and condition of the user. To be more clear, consider the following details:
- Children 0-1 years: 1½ cups for the first 3 hours, then cup each time you have diarrhea.
- Children 1-5 years: 3 glasses in the first 3 hours, then 1 cup each time diarrhea.
- Children 5-12 years: 6 glasses in the first 3 hours, then 1 cups each time diarrhea.
- Over 12 years: 12 glasses in the first 3 hours, then 2 glasses each time diarrhea.
How to Take ORS Correctly
Use ORS according to the doctor's recommendations or the instructions for use listed on the medicine package. ORS can be taken before or after meals.
Dissolve one sachet of ORS in one glass (200 ml) of water, then stir until dissolved. After that, drink ORS until it runs out according to the recommended dose.
Store ORS in a dry place with a temperature below 30oC, and protected from direct sunlight. Keep ORS out of reach of children.
Interactions of ORS with Other Drugs
The content of potassium and sodium in ORS can change the concentration of lithium ions in the blood.
Meanwhile, ACE inhibitors, potassium-sparing diuretic drugs, and ciclosporin can increase the risk of hyperkalemia if taken with ORS in excessive amounts.
Side Effects and Dangers of ORS
Although rare, excessive consumption of ORS and not according to the doctor's instructions can cause the following side effects:
- Hypertension
- Headache
- Dizzy
- Tired
- Mood swings
- Discomfort in the stomach
- bloating
Immediately consult a doctor if you experience the symptoms mentioned above.