How to Drink Oral Rehydration Salts for Effective Hydration

December 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) can prevent death in up to 93% of childhood diarrhea cases, proving its life-saving effectiveness. Learning how to properly prepare and consume ORS is essential for anyone dealing with dehydration due to illness, intense exercise, or excessive heat.

Quick Summary

A guide to mixing and drinking oral rehydration salts correctly for effective dehydration treatment, covering preparation, administration, and common errors for children and adults.

Key Points

Mix Precisely: Use one ORS sachet dissolved in exactly one liter of cooled, clean water for the correct balance of electrolytes.
Small, Frequent Sips: For those with vomiting, administer ORS in very small, frequent sips to improve tolerance and absorption.
Administration Varies by Age: The amount and frequency of ORS administration should be adjusted based on the individual's age and the severity of dehydration.
Superior to Other Drinks: ORS is scientifically formulated for rehydration and is more effective than plain water, sports drinks, or juices for dehydration due to illness.
Discard After 24 Hours: Once mixed, ORS solution must be used within 24 hours. Any leftover should be thrown away.
Avoid Additives: Never add extra sugar, salt, or flavorings to the ORS solution, as this can disrupt the delicate electrolyte balance and worsen the condition.
Recognize Severe Dehydration: Watch for signs of severe dehydration, such as sunken eyes, lack of urination, or confusion, which require immediate medical attention.

Understanding Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)

Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) are a specific, scientifically formulated mixture of glucose, sodium, potassium, and citrate. Unlike plain water, this formula is designed to help the intestines absorb fluids and electrolytes more efficiently, directly addressing the mineral imbalances caused by dehydration. It is critical to use the correct proportions to ensure the solution is isotonic or has reduced osmolarity for the best effect.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Drink Oral Rehydration Salts

Following the correct preparation and administration steps is crucial for the safety and effectiveness of ORS. Always use a pre-packaged, commercially available ORS powder for the safest and most accurate electrolyte balance. Homemade solutions can be risky if not prepared with perfect precision.

Preparation Instructions

Wash Your Hands: Before you begin, wash your hands and the utensils you will use with clean water and soap.
Boil and Cool Water: Boil 1 liter of clean drinking water and allow it to cool completely. For adults and older children, clean, safe tap water can be used directly, but boiling is a necessary precaution, especially for infants and if water quality is uncertain.
Mix the Powder: Carefully open one sachet of ORS powder and pour the contents into the 1 liter of cooled, clean water.
Stir to Dissolve: Stir the mixture thoroughly until the powder has completely dissolved. The final solution should be clear or slightly cloudy.
Do Not Add Anything Else: Never add extra sugar, salt, fruit juice, or any other ingredients. The balance of electrolytes is precise and adding other substances can worsen dehydration.
Store Properly: The ORS solution must be used within 24 hours of mixing. If it is kept in a refrigerator, it can last for up to 24 hours. After that time, any unused solution must be discarded.

Drinking and Administration Guidelines

Administering ORS requires patience, especially if the individual is experiencing vomiting. The goal is small, frequent sips to allow for absorption. Administration should be tailored to the individual's age and the degree of dehydration.

Dealing with Vomiting

If vomiting occurs shortly after drinking the ORS, wait a short period and then restart, offering smaller, more frequent sips. If vomiting persists despite slow administration, it may indicate a more serious condition, and medical help should be sought.

ORS vs. Other Fluids: A Comparison

It is vital to understand why ORS is superior to other readily available liquids for treating dehydration, especially when caused by illness like diarrhea.


Feature	Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)	Plain Water	Sports Drinks	Sugary Juices/Sodas
Electrolyte Balance	Scientifically balanced to restore lost sodium, potassium, and chloride.	No electrolytes; does not address electrolyte imbalance.	Contain some electrolytes but often have excessive sugar.	High in sugar, which can pull more water into the intestines and worsen diarrhea.
Glucose Content	Precise amount of glucose to aid water and electrolyte absorption.	No glucose, limiting intestinal water absorption.	High sugar content can hinder absorption and aggravate diarrhea.	High sugar content disrupts the body's fluid balance.
Absorption Rate	Absorbed faster than plain water, ensuring quick recovery.	Slower absorption as it lacks the glucose-sodium transport mechanism.	Absorption can be hampered by excessive sugar.	Very slow, and can worsen fluid loss.
Intended Use	Specific medical treatment for dehydration caused by illness.	General hydration for non-illness situations.	Replenishing electrolytes lost during intense exercise.	Entertainment beverage, not suitable for dehydration.

Important Precautions and When to Seek Medical Help

While ORS is highly effective for mild to moderate dehydration, there are situations where medical intervention is necessary. Severe dehydration is a medical emergency requiring intravenous (IV) fluids in a hospital setting.

Warning signs of severe dehydration include:

Extreme thirst
Sunken eyes
Lack of tears when crying (in infants)
Fatigue, confusion, or extreme irritability
Fast heart rate or breathing
Passing very little or no urine

If you observe any of these symptoms or if a person is unable to tolerate ORS orally, seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, consult a doctor if diarrhea lasts more than 2-3 days.

Conclusion: Your Guide to Safe and Effective Rehydration

Knowing how to drink oral rehydration salts is an essential first aid skill for managing dehydration. By following the precise mixing instructions, understanding general administration principles, and recognizing when to seek advanced medical care, you can safely and effectively treat dehydration at home. Always remember that ORS provides a specific and balanced formula for recovery, making it superior to other beverages during periods of fluid loss from illness. Adhering to these guidelines ensures you are providing the best possible care for yourself or a family member in need of rehydration.

Frequently Asked Questions

The correct ratio is to mix the contents of one pre-packaged ORS sachet into one liter of clean, safe drinking water. It is crucial not to alter this ratio to maintain the correct balance of electrolytes.

No, you should only use clean water to mix ORS. Adding milk, juice, or other liquids or sweeteners can interfere with the electrolyte balance and hinder proper absorption, potentially worsening dehydration.

The mixed ORS solution should be consumed within 24 hours. It can be stored in a refrigerator for this period, but any unused portion must be discarded after 24 hours.

If vomiting occurs shortly after drinking, wait for a short period, and then resume drinking the ORS slowly, offering smaller amounts more frequently. For children, small sips from a teaspoon or syringe can help.

Yes, ORS is safe and effective for infants and young children. For infants, smaller, more frequent administration is often recommended, and regular breastfeeding or formula feeding should continue alongside ORS therapy.

If you or a loved one shows signs of severe dehydration, such as confusion, sunken eyes, rapid heart rate, or an inability to tolerate fluids orally, you should seek immediate medical attention. Severe dehydration requires intravenous fluids.

ORS is specifically formulated with the precise ratio of glucose and electrolytes to optimize fluid absorption by the intestines during illness. Sports drinks often have too much sugar, which can worsen diarrhea and dehydration.