Because plain water is low in electrolytes, it’s usually less effective at treating moderate or severe cases of dehydration than an electrolyte-containing ORS like Pedialyte ( 2). Pedialyte is an OTC rehydration drink for both children and adults. It’s one of the most effective and safest treatments available for mild to moderate dehydration. If you don’t like the taste, there are several flavors that may be easier to drink, such as strawberry, grape, or bubble gum. How much to take Older children can have juice or sports drinks if you don’t have an oral rehydration solution on hand. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Pedialyte® Products

Electrolytes are mineral nutrients such as sodium, potassium, and chloride that help to control fluid levels in your body. These nutrients also help maintain your blood pressure, allow your nerves to send and receive electrical signals, and regulate pH levels. If you find it difficult to measure fluid intake throughout the day, get into the habit of constantly sipping water as you go about your daily activities. Healthy newborns and infants are generally able to drink sufficient amounts of breastmilk or formula to remain hydrated. Once weaned, toddlers and preschoolers stay hydrated by drinking a variety of fluids like water, milk, juice, smoothies, and soups.For young babies that have not yet been weaned, it’s important that Pedialyte is offered alongside breastfeeding or formula feeding and not as a replacement for them.

Pedialyte vs. Gatorade: Differences and When to Use Pedialyte vs. Gatorade: Differences and When to Use

Some parents may also be tempted to add sugar to Pedialyte to increase sweetness. This may make diarrhea worse by drawing water into the intestine, increasing the risk of dehydration.Pedialyte is an OTC rehydration drink for both children and adults. It’s one of the most effective and safest treatments available for mild to moderate dehydration. Because it contains electrolytes, it’s more effective than drinking only water if you’ve lost a lot of fluids. However, when ill, children can refuse to drink, which increases their risk of dehydration. What’s more, illness accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea can cause your child to lose more fluids than usual, further worsening the problem. To prevent dehydration, try to repeatedly sip or drink water throughout the day. It’s recommended that: In infants and young children, the beverage should be used as a complement to breastfeeding or formula feeding rather than as a replacement for them ( 3). summary

Medicinal forms | Disodium hydrogen citrate with glucose

Unless recommended by a healthcare professional, liquid forms of Pedialyte should not be mixed with other fluids such as water, juices, milk, or formula. Doing so will alter the ratio of electrolytes and sugars. This can make Pedialyte less effective. For babies younger than 1 year old, talk with your doctor about how to treat mild to moderate dehydration. Giving small quantities of undiluted breastmilk or formula is usually recommended. You should also keep in mind that drinking an improperly mixed ORS may cause your child to ingest too much salt, causing a condition known as hypernatremia ( 7, 8). However, mild or moderate cases of dehydration can often be treated at home. In fact, in these cases, oral rehydration appears as effective as intravenous (IV) fluids at treating dehydration ( 3). The only way to treat dehydration is to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. This may vary according to your age, how severe your dehydration is, and what caused it. For babiesPedialyte is also more effective at restoring your fluid levels than beverages such as sodas, juices, or sports drinks. These drinks are often too high in sugar and too low in sodium (salt), an electrolyte that’s usually lost during diarrhea and vomiting. Through sweat, vomiting, or diarrhea, children lose not only water but also electrolytes — minerals like sodium, potassium, and chloride — which are essential for maintaining the body’s fluid balance. When treating dehydration, it’s important to replenish both ( 1). Pedialyte Classic has 1030mg sodium and no more than 25g sugars per liter; leading sports drink has ~460mg sodium and ~58g sugars per liter. Typically, it’s best to offer your child small, frequent sips every 15 minutes or so, increasing the amount as tolerated.