Oral Rehydration Therapy
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
This is Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS), a mixture of salt, potassium, and glucose (sugar) dissolved in water that helps your body replace fluids and minerals lost during diarrhea, vomiting, or dehydration. It works by helping your intestines absorb water and essential salts more effectively.
Restores intracellular and extracellular fluid balance by facilitating sodium and potassium reabsorption in the small intestine through active transport mechanisms, while glucose enhances sodium absorption via the sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT1), thereby promoting water reabsorption and correcting electrolyte losses.
Available Over The Counter
Get this from any pharmacy or chemist — no prescription needed.
Explore this drug
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 and sip frequently throughout the day. Adults should drink as much as needed — at least 1 to 2 litres per day when dehydrated. Do not add sugar, salt, or any other thing to the solution.
ORS is not taken on a strict schedule. Simply continue sipping the solution regularly whenever you remember. The goal is to keep replacing lost fluids throughout the day.
Always dissolve the sachet in the correct amount of clean water — using too little water makes the solution too concentrated and can be dangerous, especially for children. Buy only from reputable pharmacies, not roadside sellers, to ensure the product is genuine. If diarrhea does not improve within 2 days or gets worse, see a doctor — ORS replaces fluids but does not treat the underlying cause.
ORS generally has no major drug interactions. However, if you are taking medications for high blood pressure or heart problems, the salt content may affect your condition — inform your doctor. Do not mix ORS with alcohol as alcohol worsens dehydration.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Sodium with your other drugs?
ORS is generally safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, but if dehydration is severe, please see a doctor immediately rather than self-treating.
Store the unopened sachets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. Once dissolved in water, use the solution within 24 hours and throw away any leftover. Keep sachets out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Sodium Chloride; Potassium Chloride; Anhydrous Glucose?
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