How much Pedialyte should I drink to get hydrated?

January 12, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the manufacturer's website, Pedialyte's specific blend of minerals and nutrients provides an optimal balance of electrolytes and sugar, designed to work more effectively than plain water for rehydration. Understanding the general approach to intake is important for replacing fluids lost from illness, exercise, or heat.

Quick Summary

The appropriate Pedialyte intake varies based on age and the cause of fluid loss. For adults, starting with small, frequent sips is generally recommended to help replenish lost electrolytes and fluids.

Key Points

Intake Varies: The amount of Pedialyte generally used depends on your age and the cause of dehydration.
Sip Frequently: Especially with nausea or vomiting, sipping Pedialyte slowly and often (e.g., every 15 minutes) is often recommended to help your stomach tolerate the fluid.
Do Not Dilute: Mixing pre-mixed Pedialyte with other liquids or water will alter the electrolyte balance, which can reduce its effectiveness.
Consider Your Symptoms: Adjust fluid intake based on fluid loss. For instance, after episodes of diarrhea or vomiting, consuming a certain amount may be suggested.
Recognize Severe Dehydration: For severe symptoms like confusion, rapid heartbeat, or fainting, seek immediate medical attention rather than relying on oral rehydration alone.
Consult a Doctor: Always talk to a healthcare professional for advice on infants or severe cases, or if your symptoms don't improve after a certain period.

Understanding the Need for Pedialyte

Pedialyte is a branded oral rehydration solution (ORS) that contains a specific, balanced mixture of water, electrolytes (like sodium and potassium), and carbohydrates (sugar). This formula is designed to facilitate the absorption of water and electrolytes in the gut, making it generally more effective than plain water for correcting electrolyte imbalances and addressing mild to moderate dehydration. It is often used for dehydration resulting from vomiting, diarrhea, intense exercise, or excessive heat.

Adult Hydration Considerations

For adults and adolescents aged 10 and older, a flexible approach to fluid intake is often suggested, especially in cases of diarrhea and vomiting.

Initial Approach: Starting with small, frequent sips is often recommended, particularly if nausea is present.
General Intake for Fluid Loss: To support hydration during fluid loss from illness, consuming a certain amount over a period, such as 8 to 24 hours, may be suggested depending on the severity. For instance, a total intake over a day might be considered.
Other Causes: For dehydration due to other factors like exercise or heat, the amount consumed can vary depending on individual needs or as directed by a healthcare professional.

Practical Rehydration Steps

Shake the bottle: If using the liquid solution, always shake it well before use.
Start slow: Sip small amounts frequently (e.g., every 15 minutes) and gradually increase the volume as your stomach tolerates it.
Do not dilute: Do not mix the pre-mixed liquid Pedialyte with other fluids like water, juice, or milk, as this alters the electrolyte balance and can make it less effective.
Keep it cold: Many people find that Pedialyte tastes best when served cold.
Use within 96 hours: Once opened, a bottle of Pedialyte should be refrigerated and used within 96 hours (4 days) or discarded.

Pediatric Hydration Considerations

Note: Always consult a pediatrician before giving Pedialyte to an infant, especially one under 1 year old, as their needs are different and they can dehydrate quickly.

For children over 1 year of age, a gradual, monitored approach is often suggested. Intake depends on the child's age, weight, and condition.

General Administration: For children with vomiting, starting with very small volumes (e.g., one teaspoon every few minutes) can help them keep the fluid down. The total amount over a period may vary by age.

Pedialyte vs. Other Hydration Methods


Feature	Pedialyte	Sports Drinks (e.g., Gatorade)	Plain Water	Homemade ORS	Coconut Water
Primary Use	Mild to moderate dehydration from illness.	Intense exercise, sports performance.	Everyday hydration.	General rehydration, emergencies.	Everyday hydration, source of potassium.
Electrolyte Balance	Specific, balanced ratio of sodium, potassium, chloride.	Variable; often high in sugar and sodium, lower potassium.	Trace amounts; not enough for rehydration in illness.	Varies by recipe; can be precise.	High in potassium, low in sodium.
Sugar Content	Low and balanced for optimal absorption.	Often high; can potentially worsen diarrhea.	None.	Varies by recipe.	Natural sugar; not always balanced for illness.
Effectiveness	Highly effective for mild-moderate dehydration.	Can be potentially counterproductive due to high sugar in some cases.	Ineffective for electrolyte replacement during significant fluid loss.	Highly effective if prepared correctly.	May be a poor choice if significant sodium replacement is needed.
Cost	Relatively expensive compared to water.	Moderate to expensive.	Very low cost.	Very low cost.	Moderate to expensive.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While Pedialyte is an effective over-the-counter solution, severe dehydration is a serious medical condition that requires immediate professional care. You should consult a doctor if you experience severe symptoms or if your condition does not improve. Signs of severe dehydration include:

Inability to keep fluids down due to persistent vomiting.
Extreme fatigue, lethargy, or confusion.
Significant dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
No urination for more than 12 hours.
Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
Sunken eyes.
For infants, a sunken soft spot on the head.

Conclusion

Understanding the general approach to how much Pedialyte should I drink to get hydrated depends on your age, body weight, and severity of fluid loss. For most adults dealing with mild to moderate dehydration from illness, starting with small, frequent sips and consuming an appropriate amount over 8 to 24 hours is a general approach. Always consult a healthcare professional for specific medical advice, especially for infants, young children, or severe cases of dehydration. While other options exist, Pedialyte's balanced formula is specifically designed for rehydration during illness, making it a generally reliable choice for replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes. For a more in-depth look at treating dehydration, you can visit the Mayo Clinic's website for diagnosis and treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

For adults experiencing mild to moderate dehydration, a general approach involves consuming an appropriate amount over a period, such as 8 to 24 hours. For symptoms of illness, consuming a certain amount after episodes of diarrhea or vomiting is often advised.

No, you should not mix pre-mixed liquid Pedialyte with other fluids like water or juice. This dilutes the electrolytes and sugars, making the solution less effective for rehydration.

For effective rehydration, especially when feeling nauseated, taking small, frequent sips of Pedialyte every 15 minutes or so is often suggested, gradually increasing the amount as you feel better.

You should seek medical help immediately for signs of severe dehydration, including confusion, fainting, rapid heartbeat, decreased urination, inability to keep fluids down, or if symptoms persist.

Excessive intake, particularly in those with underlying health conditions, could potentially lead to an electrolyte imbalance. Following general guidelines is important.

Once a bottle of liquid Pedialyte is opened, it should be refrigerated and used within 96 hours (4 days). After this time, it should be discarded.

Alternatives to Pedialyte include homemade oral rehydration solutions, low-sugar sports drinks diluted with water, or electrolyte powders. For everyday hydration, plain water, coconut water, or broth can be beneficial, though not specifically formulated for treating illness-related dehydration.