PlanetRx - Learn More - Product Advice - Children's Diarrhea





	Raise your glass to rehydration When a person, especially a child, suffers dehydration due to vomiting and/or diarrhea, it's essential to quickly restore fluid and electrolyte levels. Several over-the-counter medications are available to speed up this process, known as rehydration therapy. These products help restore several of the body's vital chemicals -- notably glucose, sodium, chloride, and potassium -- and manage the mild to moderate diarrhea that most frequently afflicts children. As always, seek medical attention for serious bouts of diarrhea and vomiting.



	Maintaining Fluids and Electrolytes Gatorade, fruit juices, and carbonated sodas can be helpful, but are too low in sodium, potassium, and chloride to provide the rapid rehydration required in severe cases. Rehydration efforts should occur as quickly as possible, within the first four to six hours after vomiting and/or diarrhea. For children ages two weeks to 6 years old, the dosage varies with weight and age, so parents should carefully consult the directions on the particular brand of rehydration product they select. The correct dosage for children between ages 6 and 10 is 960 to 1,920 milliliters a day. Adults and children over age 10 are advised to take 1,920 to 2,880 milliliters per day of the rehydration liquid. If vomiting and diarrhea are severe enough to result in a weight loss of between five percent and 10% of body weight, see a doctor. It may be necessary to supply the body with fluids intravenously.



	Rehydration solutions Rehydration therapies are solutions of salt and sugar designed to rapidly replace lost fluids and electrolytes due to prolonged fever, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. In addition to sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, and water, these solutions contain glucose, which promotes absorption of vital electrolytes into the body.



	Signs of Dehydration Mild dehydration involves a fluid loss of three to five percent of body weight. Symptoms include dry mouth and increased thirst. Moderate dehydration involves a fluid loss of six to nine percent of body weight. Symptoms include sunken eyes. Severe dehydration involves a fluid loss of 10% of body weight or greater. Symptoms include rapid pulse, bluish skin, fatigue, irregular breathing, and cold feelings in the arms and legs. Moderate to severe dehydration needs to be treated with oral rehydration therapy as soon as possible. Seek medical attention. What Works for Dehydration Dehydration needs to be treated with both electrolyte and fluid replacement. Pure water should not be used because it can cause diarrhea and offset the electrolyte balance in the blood. Oral rehydration solutions should be used because they contain both water and electrolytes. Fluid replacement is possible during episodes of diarrhea. Fluid replacement should not be attempted until episodes of vomiting have ceased. Commercially available oral-rehydration solutions have the proper electrolyte ratios and concentrations for use as oral rehydration therapy. Do not use common household beverages as fluid replacement therapies; they don't have the correct concentrations and may cause diarrhea in someone who is dehydrated.



	Warnings Rehydration solutions Consult a physician before using or do not use if you have: Diabetes Common Side Effects Rehydration solutions None anticipated Infrequent to Rare Side Effects None anticipated Effects of Overdose None anticipated What to Do in Case of Overdose It is unlikely that an overdose of this medication will cause life-threatening symptoms. If you are still concerned, please seek the advice of your health professional.



	Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers Infalyte Abbott Labs (Pedialyte) Diarrhea Carbohydrates and Electrolytes Sources & Further Reading Books 1. Covington, TR et al. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs, Eleventh Ed. American Pharmaceutical Assoc. Washington, DC 1996. 2. Kastrup EK et al. Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts and Comparisons. 3. Inlander, CB and Slamans, S.The Over-the-Counter Doctor. Cader Books. New York, NY 1997. Find more books on health and wellness at barnesandnoble.com.