Oral Re-Hydration Therapy for The Treatment of Dehydration

Oral re-hydration therapy (ORT) is available commercially as Pedialyte, Rehydralyte, Ricelyte, Resol or Kaolectrolyte and Gerber powders. ORT does not stop vomiting and diarrhea; it prevents the body from dehydrating.

Using ORT is not always easy. If a child is not yet dehydrated, they may refuse it due to its salty taste. If a child is actively vomiting or nauseated, they may also be reluctant to take the fluid. In this situation, treatment requires time and patience. To overcome a nauseated child’s refusal to drink, ORT can be given in small, frequent amounts, either through a dropper or by a teaspoon every 2 to 3 minutes. If a child vomits, it is appropriate to wait 10 to 15 minutes before giving more fluid.

If your child is not vomiting and is improving consistently, you can gradually increase the fluids. You will need to go more slowly if this increase in fluids induces vomiting.

As long as it is tolerated, breastfeeding can continue.

If after 4 hours your child is not vomiting and is consistently thirsty, they can drink unlimited amounts of ORT.

As soon as your child’s appetite returns, you should feed them. Good food choices include cooked meat, cooked cereal, toast, noodles, bananas, or yogurt.

• For a child under 20 pounds, aim for 2 ounces of ORT every hour over a 4 to 6 hour period.

• For a child over 20 pounds, try 3 ounces of fluid per hour over 4 to 6 hours.