About ORS
ORS is a brand of oral rehydration salts, used to replace the fluids and important salts lost through diarrhoea, vomiting or heavy sweating. Dissolved in water, they help restore the body's balance and prevent dehydration.
The range includes ORS sachets and tablets in various flavours, including options for children.
Browse the ORS range below, dispatched from our UK pharmacy. Oral rehydration salts help prevent dehydration but do not treat the cause; seek medical advice for a baby, or if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Frequently asked questions
What are oral rehydration salts (ORS)?
Oral rehydration salts are a carefully balanced mix of glucose and mineral salts that you dissolve in water and drink to replace the fluid and salts lost through diarrhoea, vomiting or heavy sweating. They are a simple, effective way to prevent and treat mild dehydration.
How do you make oral rehydration salts at home?
In an emergency the World Health Organization recipe is roughly six level teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt dissolved in one litre of clean water - but a ready-made ORS sachet is more accurately measured and safer, especially for children. If in doubt, use a proper ORS product and follow the pack.
Are oral rehydration salts the same as electrolyte drinks?
Not quite - ORS has a specific balance of salts and glucose designed by health bodies to treat dehydration from illness, whereas sports electrolyte drinks are aimed at exercise and often contain more sugar and less of the right salts. For rehydrating after diarrhoea or vomiting, ORS is the more suitable choice.
Do oral rehydration salts stop diarrhoea?
No - oral rehydration salts do not stop diarrhoea itself; they replace the fluid and salts you lose so that you do not become dehydrated, which is the main risk. The diarrhoea usually settles on its own, but see a pharmacist or GP if it is severe, bloody or lasts more than a few days.
Can you take oral rehydration salts when pregnant?
Oral rehydration salts are generally considered suitable in pregnancy to help with dehydration, but because vomiting and diarrhoea in pregnancy sometimes need proper assessment, it is best to check with your pharmacist, midwife or GP. Keep sipping fluids and seek advice if you cannot keep anything down.
Can diabetics take oral rehydration salts?
Oral rehydration salts contain glucose, so people with diabetes can usually use them when unwell but should monitor their blood sugar and follow their sick-day guidance. If you are unsure, ask your pharmacist or diabetes team, as staying hydrated during illness is still important.