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Dioralyte Sachets
from £13.49
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We stock 2 different variants of Dioralyte Sachets
Dioralyte Information
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.
- Open the sachet, and empty the contents of each sachet into 200ml of fresh drinking water or cooled boiled water.
- 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.
Dioralyte Sachets reviews
Dioralyte Sachets FAQs
It is recommended that Dioralyte is only dissolved in water; any other liquids may interfere with the intended outcome. It is also not recommended to use any more or any less than 200ml of water. If the drink is too diluted or too concentrated, it will not work as well as when using the recommended amount. This can also impact upon your body’s salt balance.
Exceeding the normal daily amount of Dioralyte will not usually cause you any harm. That being said, if large amounts are taken in a short space of time then you should contact your doctor or go to the hospital as soon as possible. This is especially important if it concerns children, or anybody with severe kidney or liver issues.
Children who are under the age of two should only be given Dioralyte after seeking medical advice from a doctor. You doctor will be able to tell you how much Dioralyte to give to your baby, taking into account their weight and particular circumstances.
The doctor will normally recommend an amount of Dioralyte which is equal to your child’s usual liquid intake over a 24 hour period. Always listen to your doctor and carefully follow their instructions.
If you are breastfeeding your child it is important to give them Dioralyte first before allowing them to breast feed. If your baby is using Dioralyte then you might find that they will need less breast milk than usual, so you may need to express some milk yourself afterwards.
Fresh drinking water should be used to mix the solution for children. For babies it is a good idea to boil and then cool the water before dissolving the solution.
Dioralyte should always be made fresh and used within an hour of mixing the solution. If you have to make up the solution for a longer period of time, it should be kept cool in the fridge and can be kept as such for 24 hours.
Dioralyte does not cure or treat diarrhoea. It will help to replace any fluids and electrolytes lost through diarrhoea; however it will have no curative effect. Other medications should be taken to combat the cause of diarrhoea, such as antibiotics.
Related Treatments for Diarrhoea
Imodium Capsules
Dioralyte Sachets
FyboCalm Diarrhoea Relief Capsules
We stock 6 other treatments for Diarrhoea
Visit our Diarrhoea page for treatments, advice and FAQs.
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Authored by
Andy BoysanBPharmGPhC 2047716Director & Superintendent Pharmacist
Andy is a co-founder and the Superintendent Pharmacist and Director at The Independent Pharmacy.
Reviewed by
Daniel HurleyMPharm IPGPhC 2078790Pharmacist Independent Prescriber
Dan is an experienced pharmacist having spent time working in both primary and secondary care. He currently supports our clinical team by providing robust clinical governance review of our internal processes and information.
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