ORS for Children — When to Give, Correct Dose by Age, and How to Mix It

Dr. Sandip Gupta

This video explains what ORS is, when to give it, the correct dose by age, and how to prepare it. When it is used: ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) is used for children in loose motions (dast), vomiting, or dehydration caused by fever. WHO standard ORS should be used. A common confusion: One brand name of WHO standard ORS is Electral. Parents often get confused about whether Electral and ORS are different things. They are not — ORS is a standard composition, and Electral is one company's brand name for it. So Electral is ORS. Correct dose by age, after each episode of loose motion or vomiting: 2 months to 2 years – 50 to 100 ml. 2 years to 10 years – 100 to 200 ml, given repeatedly after each loose motion or vomiting so the child does not get dehydrated. Above 10 years – give according to the child's thirst; up to 2 litres of ORS can be given in a day. Packet sizes and how to mix: Small packet – contains 4.4 g powder, to be dissolved in 200 ml water. Large packet – contains 22 g powder, to be dissolved in 1 litre water. Once dissolved, it can be kept in a clean vessel and used for up to 24 hours. Relevant for: parents whose child has loose motions, vomiting, or dehydration from fever; parents asking how much ORS to give a baby, toddler or older child; parents confused about whether ORS and Electral are the same thing; parents asking how much water to mix an ORS sachet in; and parents asking how long prepared ORS stays usable. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every child is different — please consult your pediatrician if your child has frequent watery stools, repeated vomiting, fever, signs of dehydration, blood in stool, or is not feeding.