Question:

Dear Pharmacists,

When I have diarrhea, I lost a lot of electrolyte. I replaced them with ORS but I don`t follow the instruction of how to dilute it from the package. I diluted it it with very small amount of water because I cannot drink or eat much due to vomiting and I want to get normal electrolyte in my body faster. Is there any problem from drinking concentrated ORS solution?

Answer:

The importance of a rehydration solution is more than just electrolyte replenishment. Your body is losing a lot of water, too. Drinking a concentrated rehydration solution may be dangerous for several reasons. Firstly, it may be more difficult for you to keep the solution down. Concentrated electrolytes are usually rough on your stomach. Secondly, if you are not adequately rehydrating with fluids, you may actually have more concentrated electrolytes in your blood than if you are fully hydrated. While your overall amount of electrolytes may be lower, the blood may be more concentrated because you are dehydrated.

If you are having problems keeping fluids down, you should seek help from an urgent care center or an emergency department.

For more information:

Go to the Pharmacy and Medications health topic.