Diarrhoea oral rehydration salts

Magnesium hydroxide is a laxative and is not a constituent of oral rehydration salts, which tend to be recommended for use in diarrhoea, to avoid dehydration. Sodium chloride, glucose, potassium chloride and sodium citrate are required to maintain a proper electrolyte balance and are included in oral rehydration salts. 

Sympathomimetics mimic the sympathetic system, thereby increasing the force of contraction of the heart and the blood pressure. Sympathomimetics are therefore contraindicated in patients with hypertension. Oral rehydration salts consist of electrolytes including sodium and therefore should be used with care. The advantages of oral rehydration salts in diarrhoea outweigh this disadvantage. 

Oral rehydration salts are not intended to relieve symptoms but are designed to replace water and electrolytes lost through diarrhoea and vomiting. 

Opiates are the most effective non-specific agents, and the peripheral opiate agonist loperamide may be adequate in most individuals. Whilst giving such empirical treatment the possible need of fluid replacement must be remembered. Opiates are not replacements for oral rehydration fluids (based on salt and glucose) or intravenous rehydration fluids in acute diarrhoea. 

Oral rehydration therapy is a simple, cheap and effective treatment for diarrhoea-related dehydration, such as that caused by cholera or rotavirus. It consists of a solution of salt and glucose and is administered orally. It has saved millions of children from diarrhoea, stiU a leading cause of death, particularly in the developing world. The standard manufactured WHO/UNICEF solution contains ... 

The use of oral glucose and salt solution to correct sodium depletion in infective diarrhoea is one of the major therapeutic advances of the century and is life saving, particularly in developing countries. Sachets of oral rehydration glucose and salt to be mixed with a f ixed volume of drinking water are readily available from pharmacies. 

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