Dosage of Dioralyte Blackcurrant Sachets

Dioralyte Blackcurrant Sachets is an Over-the-Counter (OTC) medicine.

Adults and Children (over 1 year): One sachet after each loose motion (watery stool), up to a maximum of 5 sachets per day for 3-4 days.

Proper Administration

• Route: Oral powder for solution.
• How to Prepare:
  1. Empty the contents of one sachet into a large glass.
  2. Add 200 ml of fresh drinking water (for infants, use freshly boiled and cooled water).
  3. Stir well until the powder is fully dissolved. Drink the entire glassful immediately.

Timing: Administer immediately after each episode of loose stool or vomiting. If vomiting is present, give small sips every 5 minutes and gradually increase.

Missed Dose Guidance

• If a dose is missed, take the next sachet when you have the next loose stool. Do not take a double dose.

Contraindications of Dioralyte Blackcurrant Sachets

Do NOT take Dioralyte Blackcurrant Sachets if you:

• Have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to any of the active substances or excipients (e.g., Aspartame, if present).
• Have conditions causing glucose malabsorption.
• Have intestinal obstruction or severe kidney failure (renal failure), as this can interfere with electrolyte balance.
• Are experiencing severe or continuous vomiting where oral rehydration is impossible.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warnings

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor. Dioralyte is generally considered safe and is essential for rehydration during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, it should only be used on medical advice, especially concerning the sodium/potassium content.

Side Effects of Dioralyte Blackcurrant Sachets

Side effects are rare when the solution is prepared correctly.

• Common Side Effects (Mild and Expected): None typically expected.
• Serious but Rare Side Effects (that may require medical attention):
  • Electrolyte Imbalance: Can occur if the solution is prepared using too little or too much water (making it too strong or too weak), potentially leading to fluid imbalance.
  • Severe Allergic Reactions: Rash, hives, swelling of the lips, face, throat, or tongue, or difficulty breathing.

What to do if side effects occur:

• If symptoms persist beyond 36 hours, or if you observe signs of a severe allergic reaction, stop the medication immediately and seek emergency medical attention.
• If vomiting occurs, give the solution in smaller, more frequent sips.

Precautions and Warnings of Dioralyte Blackcurrant Sachets

• Preparation is CRUCIAL: Always dissolve the contents of one sachet in exactly 200 ml of fresh drinking water. Using too little water makes the solution too strong (hypertonic), which can worsen dehydration or upset the balance of body salts.
• Only Water: Do NOT dissolve the powder in milk, juice, soft drinks, or anything other than plain water.
• Infants: For infants under 1 year, the product should only be given under medical supervision. Infants under 2 years with diarrhoea should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible.
• Storage after Mixing: The liquid should be made up immediately before use. Any solution not used after 1 hour (or 24 hours if stored in a refrigerator) should be discarded.
• Underlying Conditions: Consult a doctor if you are on a controlled sodium or potassium diet, or if you have severe kidney, liver, or heart problems.

The active ingredients are Dextrose, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, and Sodium Citrate/Bicarbonate. It is supplied as a blackcurrant-flavoured powder for oral solution, typically in a pack of 6 or 20 sachets. It is an Over-the-Counter (OTC) Oral Rehydration Therapy.