Dioralyte Sachets

What is Dioralyte and what is it used for?

Dioralyte Sachets prevent dehydration by replacing fluids and essential electrolytes, including glucose and salts that are lost due to diarrhoea or acute vomiting. The sachets contain a pleasant-tasting powder available as either natural, blackcurrant or citrus, which is dissolved in a glass of water before drinking.

Dioralyte can be taken to help prevent dehydration throughout all episodes of diarrhoea and vomiting as long as you are not advised against its use by a healthcare professional. It is often used alongside an antibiotic in treating traveller’s diarrhoea. This is a condition that occurs after consuming contaminated food or drinking water, usually in a foreign country, most often caused by a bacterial infection. If you are travelling it is a good idea to carry Dioralyte with you as a precaution.

Boxes contain 20 sachets and can be used by people of all ages, including infants to prevent dehydration during vomiting and diarrhoea for those that may be particularly vulnerable including the elderly and young children.

What is dehydration?

In simple terms, dehydration is when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This most commonly happens through either diarrhoea or vomiting. Dehydration can be very serious if left untreated, particularly in children and the elderly.

Symptoms of dehydration include:

• Increased thirst
• Dry lips, mouth and eyes
• Dark yellow, often strong-smelling urine
• Reduced urine output, which may be less than 4 times a day
• Feeling tired, dizzy or faint

How does Dioralyte work?

The sachets contain a scientifically tailored amount of glucose and salts such a sodium, potassium and disodium that when added to water and drank, help the body to absorb more fluids. Providing vital hydration and sugar that are lost during episodes of diarrhoea and vomiting.

Alternatives to Dioralyte

It is recommended that for episodes of diarrhoea that you also take, in conjunction with Dioralyte, an antidiarrheal medication such as Immodium or Loperamide to help reduce bowel movements, slowing down the frequency and amount of fluid loss through diarrhoea.

For those that want to take precautions against travellers' diarrhoea when abroad, At The Independent Pharmacy we have available to purchase a Ciprofloxacin and Azithromycin Traveller's Diarrhoea Packs that also contain an antidiarrheal and a box of Dioralyte. These can be carried with you when travelling and can be started only if needed to combat diarrhoea and vomiting caused by eating or drinking contaminated food or drink while abroad.

For more information regarding how to avoid and treat travellers, diarrhoea why not have a look at our Traveller's Diarrhoea Advice page.

Sources

• Dioralye, Patient Information Leaflet: Patient Information Leaflet

Dioralyte warnings

Reading the following warnings carefully will help to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

Dioralyte is unsuitable for you if:

• You are allergic to any of the ingredients.
• You have a partially or fully blocked bowel.

Take care when using Dioralyte if you:

• Have kidney or liver disease.
• Are diabetic.
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Suffer from allergies.
• Are on a diet low in potassium or sodium.
• You are giving the medicine to a child under the age of 2.
• You may require other treatments, including antibiotics from your doctor if your symptoms persist for more than 48 hours.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine, and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.

How to take Dioralyte

Children over the age of 2 years:

Take 1 sachet after every loose bowel movement.

Adults including the elderly:

Take 1 - 2 sachets after every loose bowel movement.

1. Open the sachet, and empty the contents of each sachet into 200ml of fresh drinking water or cooled boiled water.
2. Stir until the medicine has dissolved completely, and drink the mixture immediately.

Do not use more or less than 200ml to make up each Dioralyte sachet. This is the required amount of water for the correct electrolyte balance.

If you continue to experience diarrhoea or vomiting after 24 hours you should consult with a doctor.

Dioralyte ingredients

The active ingredients in Dioralyte are: Glucose, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, disodium hydrogen citrate.

Dioralyte also contains the following inactive ingredients: Saccharin sodium, silicon dioxide, artificial flavourings.

Dioralyte side effects

Dioralyte is usually well-tolerated – you should not suffer from any adverse effects. However, if you notice any abnormal effects or an allergic reaction, talk to your doctor or pharmacist straight away.