Note when replacing electrolytes to treat diarrhea in children

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Hoang The Nhan - Pediatrician - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital. He has a lot of experience in the field of pediatrics, especially in the field of resuscitation, respiratory pathology, gastroenterology in children and neonates. He was trained as well as participated in many scientific seminars, short training courses on pediatric resuscitation, respiratory pathology, pediatric gastroenterology and neonatology in domestic and international paediatrics.
Oresol is a drug used to replace electrolytes to treat diarrhea in children today. Although the drug is quite safe, it is still necessary to have a certain understanding of this drug in order to get the best effect.

1. Effect of electrolyte replacement drugs

The electrolyte replacement drug currently being used is Oresol . The drug consists of Na, K, CI components, suitable for replacing the amount of water and electrolytes lost through the stool.
This medicine is used to treat dehydration caused by diarrhea in children.
The drug is used to replace lost electrolytes in cases such as diarrhea, vomiting, high fever, or when doing sports, people who work hard, hard...
For the condition Diarrhea in children, Oresol is one of the most effective cures. When taking Oresol, it will help the child's body to compensate for the amount of potassium lost during diarrhea because children lose more potassium in their stools than adults. When Citrate is added to the solution, it is effective in overcoming the metabolic acidosis caused by dehydration. As soon as signs of diarrhea appear, if timely rehydration of fluids and electrolytes is avoided, damage is avoided and interventions such as intravenous infusion are not necessary.
The drug will have some side effects such as mild vomiting, increased blood sodium levels, excessive rehydration, or possibly heart failure due to excessive rehydration, but these cases are very rare.

2. Pay attention when replacing electrolytes to treat diarrhea in children

To achieve the best effect, when using Oresol medicine, it is necessary to follow the correct ratio of the manufacturer. If the mixture is too thick or too dilute, the osmotic pressure of Oresol will be changed, leading to a situation where the intestines cannot absorb water, but also causing more severe diarrhea in children.
After 24 hours of mixing, the excess Oresol must be discarded and a new pack mixed because the drug is only effective for 24 hours.
Mix Oresol solution with cooled water, do not use mineral water to mix because in mineral water there are electrolyte ions that will distort the ratio of electrolytes in the solution. Oresol solution should not be boiled after reconstitution.
Before drinking, stir or shake the Oresol solution thoroughly. After mixing, drink immediately, drink as much water as possible.
Do not mix Oresol with milk, soup or juice as this will reduce the effect of the drug.
For children with mild dehydration when diarrhea, it should be noted when using electrolyte replacement drugs as follows:
Children under 2 years old: take 50ml after each diarrhea, take 2-3 times a day. Children from 2-6 years old: drink from 100ml/time, take 2-3 times a day For children from 6-10 years old: take 150ml/time, drink 2-3 times a day until the feeling of thirst is gone, drink as needed, in small sips. If the child vomits while taking Oresol, wait about 10 minutes for the child to continue drinking but should slow down.

For children with moderate dehydration when having diarrhea, it should be noted when using electrolyte replacement drugs as follows:
Children under 5 kg: drink 200-400ml in 4 hours Children weighing 5- 7.9kg: take 400 -600ml within 4 hours Children weighing 8-10,9kg: drink from 600-800ml within 4 hours Children weighing 11-15.9kh: drink from 800-1200ml within 4 hours Children weighing 16- 19.9kg: drink from 1200-2200ml in 4 hours Children 30kg: drink from 2200-4000ml in 4 hours Or adults can apply the following calculation to know the appropriate amount of Oresol for each child:
Amount of Oresol (ml) Drink in 4 hours = child's weight (kg)x75ml
Note:
For children under 2 years old, when using Oresol, it must be given by a small spoon, slowly. With older children can take sips. If the child is taking medicine, the child vomits, you should stop for about 10 minutes and then give the child a slow dose. Stop using Oresol immediately if your child's eyelids are swollen or vomiting a lot. If the child does not improve after 3 days of taking the medicine, or other signs appear such as more bowel movements, vomiting, blood in the stools or poor appetite, it is necessary to immediately go to a medical facility for examination. Oresol is a fairly safe drug to use. However, as with any drug, they will have certain side effects depending on each specific case. Therefore, when using Oresol to compensate for electrolytes to treat diarrhea in children, it is necessary to carefully study and be careful when giving it to children to achieve the highest efficiency, the drug can promote the best effect. You can consult your doctor before taking.
Besides using oresol, parents need to provide children with adequate and balanced nutrients. Parents should supplement their children with supporting products containing lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, and B vitamins to help fully meet the nutritional needs of children. At the same time, these essential vitamins also support digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, help improve anorexia, and help children eat well.
Parents can learn more:
Signs of zinc deficiency in children
Micronutrient deficiency and failure to gain weight in children
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