Opsaline Oral Saline

Oral rehydration salts (ORS) for:

• Preventing and treating dehydration from diarrhoea (including cholera) and vomiting, in children and adults
• Replacing fluid and salts lost through heavy sweating, heat exhaustion or fever

Preparation: dissolve one sachet in the exact volume of clean drinking water stated on the pack (usually 500 ml — half a litre). Do not add sugar, salt or milk, and do not dilute further or make it stronger. Use within 12–24 hours.

How much (guide), after each loose stool:

• Under 2 years: 50–100 ml (¼–½ cup)
• 2–10 years: 100–200 ml (½–1 cup)
• Over 10 years and adults: as much as wanted, about 200–400 ml

Some dehydration (WHO plan B): about 75 ml/kg over the first 4 hours, then continue as above.

• Give small, frequent sips (a spoonful every 1–2 minutes for small children); if the child vomits, wait 10 minutes and continue more slowly.
• Continue breastfeeding and normal food. Give zinc to children with diarrhoea (10–14 days).

• Severe dehydration with shock, inability to drink, or persistent vomiting — needs IV fluids urgently
• Intestinal obstruction, paralytic ileus
• Severe kidney failure with no urine output

Usually none when prepared correctly.

• Mild vomiting may occur if given too fast.
• Wrongly concentrated solution can cause high sodium (irritability, drowsiness, seizures) — always use the correct amount of water.

• Seek medical care urgently if there is blood in the stool, high fever, sunken eyes, no urine for 6+ hours, extreme drowsiness, or the person cannot drink.
• Kidney disease, heart failure or diabetes: use on medical advice.
• ORS does not stop diarrhoea — it prevents dangerous dehydration.

Safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

No significant interactions. In patients on potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors or with kidney disease, large volumes should be supervised (potassium).

Excess or over-concentrated solution may cause high sodium or fluid overload — seek medical advice.

Store sachets below 30°C in a dry place. Prepared solution: keep covered and discard after 24 hours (12 hours in hot weather).