Topic Overview
When a child has diarrhea or is vomiting, it is important to prevent
dehydration. Oral rehydration solutions (ORSs), such as Pedialyte, are
used to prevent or correct dehydration in young children. ORSs contain the
right mix of salt, sugar, potassium, and other minerals to help replace lost
fluids.
In the first 4 to 6 hours after diarrhea or vomiting has started,
give your child the following amount of ORS.
Treating your child's dehydration| Child's weight | Mild dehydration | Moderate dehydration |
|---|
6 lb (3 kg) | 4.5 fl oz (135 mL) | 9 fl oz (270 mL) |
8 lb (4 kg) | 6 fl oz (180 mL) | 12 fl oz (360 mL) |
10 lb (4.5 kg) | 7.5 fl oz (225 mL) | 15 fl oz (450 mL) |
12 lb (5 kg) | 9 fl oz (270 mL) | 18 fl oz (540 mL) |
14 lb (6 kg) | 10.5 fl oz (315 mL) | 21 fl oz (630 mL) |
16 lb (7 kg) | 12 fl oz (360 mL) | 24 fl oz (720 mL) |
18 lb (8 kg) | 13.5 fl oz (405 mL) | 27 fl oz (810 mL) |
20 lb (9 kg) | 15 fl oz (450 mL) | 30 fl oz (900 mL) |
22 lb (10 kg) | 16.5 fl oz (495 mL) | 33 fl oz (990 mL) |
24 lb (11 kg) | 18 fl oz (540 mL) | 36 fl oz (1 L) |
26 lb (12 kg) | 19.5 fl oz (585 mL) | 39 fl oz (1 L) |
28 lb (13 kg) | 21 fl oz (630 mL) | 42 fl oz (1 L) |
30 lb (14 kg) | 22.5 fl oz (675 mL) | 45 fl oz (1 L) |
32 lb (14.5 kg) | 24 fl oz (720 mL) | 48 fl oz (1 L) |
34 lb (15 kg) | 25.5 fl oz (765 mL) | 51 fl oz (2 L) |
Allow your child to drink as much fluid as he or she wants. Small
amounts at frequent intervals are usually better tolerated. Replace any
additional fluid lost through diarrhea or vomiting.
Watch for signs of dehydration. If your child develops signs of
dehydration, increase the amount of fluid you are giving.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
|---|
| Last Revised | June 17, 2011 |
|---|