Protocols › Electrolytes

Electrolytes for dehydration from diarrhea

Goal: To replace the water and salts lost in diarrhea, as trials of oral rehydration solution did.

Each protocol describes what studies used, for one goal or for one group of people. It is not advice for you: talk to a doctor before you start a supplement.

Updated 9 Nov 2026
Dose

Clean water with salt and sugar, made from a powder. Since 2004 the WHO formula has an osmolarity below 270 mOsm/L.[1][2][3]

Form

Glucose-based solution; solutions based on rice or another starch were also tested.[3]

When to take

Small sips at first if the person feels sick, then more.[2]

How long

Until the water and salts lost in stool are replaced. WHO adds zinc tablets for 10 to 14 days.[1]

What studies found

Cochrane review, 17 trials, 1,811 children: about as good as a drip; 1 child in 25 needed a drip later.[4] Solutions with less salt and sugar: fewer unplanned drips than the old formula (odds ratio 0.59, 8 trials).[5] Solutions based on rice or another starch: diarrhea about 8 hours shorter than with the old glucose formula, from low-quality evidence.[3]

Ask a doctor first

Severe dehydration or shock needs fluids by drip.[1] Get urgent help if a child is drowsy, has few tears or wet nappies, breathes fast or has a sunken soft spot on the head.[2] Ask a pharmacist which solution fits a baby or young child.[2] With kidney disease or a medicine that keeps potassium in the body, ask a doctor first.[6]

References

  1. Diarrhoeal disease. World Health Organization, 2024. www.who.int
  2. Dehydration. NHS, 2026. www.nhs.uk
  3. Polymer-based oral rehydration solution for treating acute watery diarrhoea. Gregorio GV, Gonzales ML, Dans LF, Martinez EG Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2016. PMID 27959472
  4. Oral versus intravenous rehydration for treating dehydration due to gastroenteritis in children. Hartling L, Bellemare S, Wiebe N, Russell K, Klassen TP, Craig W Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2006. PMID 16856044
  5. Reduced osmolarity oral rehydration solution for treating dehydration caused by acute diarrhoea in children. Hahn S, Kim S, Garner P Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2002. PMID 11869639
  6. Potassium: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. ods.od.nih.gov