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  • Title: Oral fluids for dehydration.
    Journal: Med Lett Drugs Ther; 1987 Jul 03; 29(743):63-4. PubMed ID: 3587116.
    Abstract:
    Oral electrolyte solutions containing 2.0 - 2.5% glucose are now more widely used than intravenous fluids for treatment of dehydration from diarrhea, especially in developing countries. New products are available, however, and older ones have been reformulated. Oral rehydration experts now recommend a replacement fluid with a sodium concentration of 75 to 90 mEq/1. A solution containing 90 mEQ/1 is now used for both maintenance and rehydration. In underdeveloped countries it is also a preferred treatment for cholera. In the United States, solutions with 40-60 60 mEQ of sodium/liter are widely used for both rehydration and maintenance. Problems with maintenance, however, do occur. After acute dehydration, continued use of high sodium concentrations can be damaging to adults, and especially infants, who exhibit a high insensible water loss. Once the dehydration has been corrected, high sodium concentrate solutions may cause hypernatremia or edema. As for administration and dosage, children with over 10% weight loss should have parenteral fluid replacement, at least initially. For oral rehydration, 40-50 ml/kg of fluid should begin the 1st 20 hours; for severe rehydration 100 ml/kg orally in the 1st 5-6 hours. After rehydration is complete, an oral maintenance solution is given at 150 ml/kg/day. Though homemade glucose-electrolyte solutions are inexpensive, errors can occur in mixing or diluting solutions and can have severe consequences. Available oral electrolyte solutions, when used correctly, can be both effective and life-saving.
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