Potassium chloride with rice powder, sodium chloride and sodium citrate

How it works

Glucose or rice-derived carbohydrate drives co-transport of sodium and water across the intestinal mucosa, while the salts replace electrolyte losses and citrate corrects the acidosis of diarrhoeal illness.

Prescribing in practice

• Reconstitute only with the recommended volume of clean water and never add extra salt or sugar, as incorrect concentration can cause hypernatraemia, particularly in infants.
• It is not a substitute for intravenous fluids in severe dehydration, shock or persistent vomiting, where parenteral resuscitation is required.
• The potassium content warrants caution in renal impairment or where potassium excretion is reduced.

Monitoring

Monitor hydration status, urine output and, where dehydration is significant, serum electrolytes during rehydration.

Counselling the patient

• Make up the solution exactly as directed with clean water and discard any unused reconstituted solution after the stated time.
• Continue normal feeding and breastfeeding, and seek medical help if dehydration worsens or the person cannot keep fluids down.

Evidence & guidelines

Oral rehydration therapy is endorsed by the WHO as the mainstay of management for acute diarrhoeal dehydration, with rice-based formulations offering an alternative carbohydrate source.