What is Dioralyte and Why is Correct Preparation Important?
Dioralyte is a scientifically formulated oral rehydration therapy (ORT) designed to treat dehydration by replacing lost fluids and essential body salts. It's primarily used to manage dehydration caused by acute diarrhea from various causes, including gastroenteritis. The formulation contains a specific balance of glucose, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and disodium hydrogen citrate. The glucose helps the body to absorb the salts and water more efficiently.
Mixing Dioralyte correctly is critical. Using too little or too much water can make the solution too concentrated or too weak, which can upset the body's delicate electrolyte balance and reduce the product's effectiveness.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How Do You Make Up Dioralyte?
Preparing Dioralyte is a simple process. Follow these steps precisely to ensure the solution is safe and effective.
- Wash Your Hands: Before starting, ensure your hands are clean to avoid contaminating the solution.
- Gather Your Supplies: You will need one Dioralyte sachet, a clean glass, and 200ml (approximately 7 fluid ounces) of fresh drinking water.
- Check Water Type: For adults and children over one year, fresh drinking water is suitable. For infants (3 months to 1 year), you must use water that has been freshly boiled and then cooled down. Never use any other liquid like juice, milk, or soda to mix the powder.
- Pour the Powder: Empty the entire contents of one sachet into the glass.
- Add Water: Pour exactly 200ml of the appropriate water into the glass.
- Stir to Dissolve: Stir the mixture well until all the powder has completely dissolved. The resulting solution should be clear or, for Dioralyte Relief, may appear milky.
- Serve Immediately: The solution should be made up just before it is needed and consumed right away.
Dosage Guidelines
Recommended amounts depend on the age of the individual and should be taken after each loose bowel movement, following the guidance on the product packaging or from a healthcare professional.
- Adults and the Elderly: The typical recommendation is based on need after each loose motion. Consult the product packaging or a healthcare professional for maximum daily intake.
- Children (1-12 years): The typical recommendation is based on need after each loose motion.
- Infants (3 months to 1 year): This age group should only be given Dioralyte under medical supervision. Dosage is typically based on weight, as advised by a healthcare professional. If vomiting is present, small, frequent sips may be recommended.
Storage of Prepared Dioralyte
If not consumed immediately, the prepared solution can be stored. However, the storage rules are strict:
- Refrigerated: A prepared solution can be kept in the refrigerator (at 2-8°C) for up to 24 hours.
- Room Temperature: If left at room temperature, any unused solution must be discarded after one hour.
Always make a fresh solution if the time limits are exceeded.
Comparison: Dioralyte vs. Other Drinks for Dehydration
When you're dehydrated due to illness, not all fluids are created equal. Here’s how Dioralyte compares to common alternatives.
| Drink Type | Purpose & Effectiveness | Key Components | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dioralyte | Specifically designed to correct dehydration from diarrhea by replacing lost electrolytes and fluids effectively. | Balanced glucose and essential salts (sodium, potassium). | For dehydration caused by diarrhea, vomiting, or gastroenteritis. |
| Water | Essential for general hydration but lacks the electrolytes lost during illness. It does not help the body absorb fluid as efficiently as an ORS. | H₂O | For routine hydration and during low-intensity exercise lasting less than an hour. |
| Sports Drinks | Designed to replace fluids and electrolytes lost through sweat during prolonged, intense exercise. Often high in sugar. | Carbohydrates (sugar), electrolytes. | For rehydration during or after intense, prolonged physical activity (over an hour). Not ideal for illness-related dehydration. |
| Fruit Juice / Sodas | High in sugar and can sometimes worsen diarrhea. They lack the correct balance of electrolytes for rehydration. | High sugar, minimal electrolytes. | Not recommended for rehydration during diarrhoeal illness. |
When to Seek Medical Advice
While Dioralyte is effective for mild to moderate dehydration, you should consult a doctor in the following situations:
- If symptoms (diarrhea or vomiting) do not improve within 24-48 hours.
- If the person shows signs of severe dehydration, such as dizziness, sunken eyes, not urinating for more than 8 hours, or a dry mouth and tongue.
- For infants under 1 year of age, medical advice should always be sought.
- If there is a high fever (over 102°F or 39°C), or if there is blood in the stool.
Conclusion
Knowing how do you make up Dioralyte correctly is fundamental to its success as a rehydration therapy. By following the precise instruction—one sachet to 200ml of water—and adhering to the appropriate usage and storage guidelines, you can safely and effectively manage dehydration for both adults and children. While it is an invaluable tool, it is not a substitute for medical care in severe cases. Always monitor symptoms and seek professional medical advice when necessary.
For more detailed product information, you can visit the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC): [https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/2773/smpc]
