When vomiting and/or diarrhoea occur the body loses fluid and salts (e.g. potassium, chloride, and sodium). It is important that the body has the right balance of fluids and salts, and that it is the right pH (acid balance). If the body loses fluid and salts it can get dehydrated and this affects the right concentration of salts (electrolyte imbalance). This can be serious, especially with young children and babies, or with elderly people. Therefore, your doctor will usually recommend the use of a mixture called an "Electrolyte Replacement Fluid" or "Rehydration Fluid", that puts back into the body the salts and fluids missing.
These mixtures do not stop or prevent diarrhoea or vomiting, they are used only to replace the water and salts your body has lost. In most cases the diarrhoea or vomiting will only be for 24-48 hours before the "stomach bug" is gone. Sometimes your doctor may give you something else to stop the vomiting or diarrhoea.These mixtures contain a special balance of glucose (a sugar), salts and water. The glucose helps the water and salts to go into the body from the intestine.
Ready to serve. If desired, refrigerate to chill
After opening, store in the refrigerator. Contents must be consumed within 24 hours.
For children under 1 year of age, consult your doctor before feeding Pedialyte.
For children 1 year of age and older, offer Pedialyte every 1 to 4 hours. The child should drink 1 to 2 litres per day of Pedialyte while diarrhoea continues. If there is vomiting or fever, or if diarrhoea continues beyond 24 hours, consult your doctor.
Seek medical advice if diarrhoea persists for more than:
- 6 hours in infants under 6 months
- 12 hours in children under 3 years
- 24 hours in children aged 3–6 years
- 48 hours for adults and children aged over 6 years
Be aware that dehydration due to vomiting or diarrhoea can be dangerous in babies and children under 5 years old and in elderly people.
Dextrose, Potassium Citrate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Fructose.
Contains acesulfame potassium and sucralose as artificial sweetener.
