Electrolyte Replacement
Overview
When vomiting and/or diarrhoea occur, the body loses fluid and salts (e.g. potassium, chloride, and sodium). When this happens your body can become dehydrated and the concentration of salts can be adversely affected. This can be serious, especially in young babies, children, or in the elderly.
Dehydration is treated by replacing the body's lost fluids. In most cases these fluids are replaced by drinking plenty of liquids. However, drinking too much plain water when dehydrated can actually make the problem worse by diluting the remaining minerals and salts within the body. Oral rehydration solutions are a group of medicines which are used for the replacement of fluids lost through diarrohea. These mixtures contain a special balance of glucose (a sugar), salts and water.
You should always follow the instructions on the label of the medicine or as directed by your doctor when taking rehydration fluids.