If you are losing fluid through diarrhoea or vomiting, use an oral rehydration medicine such as Dioralyte. If you simply want to top up fluids and salts after exercise, heat or travel, an everyday electrolyte sachet is the right kind of product.
What is the difference?
- Oral rehydration salts (Dioralyte): a medicine with a precise balance of glucose and salts that helps the gut absorb water. Used to replace fluid and body salts lost through diarrhoea. Available in blackcurrant and natural.
- Electrolyte hydration sachets: a food supplement drink for everyday hydration, such as our Electrolyte Hydration Sachets (30 pack). These are not a treatment for dehydration caused by illness.
How do I use Dioralyte?
Dissolve one sachet in exactly 200ml of fresh drinking water. Do not add it to juice, milk or fizzy drinks, and do not make it stronger or weaker, because the balance matters. Follow the pack for how many sachets to take after each loose stool.
Can children have it?
Dioralyte can be used for children, but babies and young children with diarrhoea or vomiting should be assessed by a pharmacist or doctor first. Check the pack for ages and doses.
When is dehydration serious?
Get medical help if someone is drowsy or confused, passes very little urine, has a dry mouth and sunken eyes, cannot keep fluids down, or has diarrhoea for more than a few days. For babies, fewer wet nappies is a warning sign.
Who should ask before using them?
Ask a pharmacist first if you have kidney or heart problems, diabetes, or are on a low-salt diet.
General information only. Always read the label. Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied diet.
