Dr KK Answers: What is the composition of ORS?

The composition of the oral rehydration solution (per liter of water) recommended by the World Health Organization consists of:

· 3.5 g sodium chloride

· 2.9 g trisodium citrate or 2.5 g sodium bicarbonate

· 1.5 g potassium chloride

· 20 g glucose or 40 g sucrose

Dr KK Answers: Is ORS a drug?

 Oral rehydration solution was developed following the realization that, in many small bowel diarrheal illnesses, intestinal glucose absorption via sodium-glucose co-transport remains intact.

In diarrheal disease caused by organisms that depends on small bowel secretory processes, the intestine remains able to absorb water if glucose and salt are also present to assist in the transport of water from the intestinal lumen.