Oral Rehydration Salts (WHO formula) 1 sachet (for 1 litre): uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Common uses: Replacing water and salts lost in diarrhoea and vomiting, in children and adults; Preventing and treating mild to moderate dehydration from stomach infections.
Listed MRPs range from ₹10.00 to ₹23.41 per sachet across 5 listings.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / sachet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Rehydration Salts IP 20.5g Sachet (WHO Formula)Jan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 1 sachet | ₹10.00 | ₹10.00 | 19 October 2026 |
| Zeelab ORS | Zeelab Pharmacy Pvt Ltd | 1 sachet | ₹12.00 | ₹12.00 | 19 October 2026 |
| Prolyte ORS | Cipla Health Ltd | 1 sachet | ₹22.40 | ₹22.40 | 19 October 2026 |
| Electral | FDC Ltd | 1 sachet | ₹23.20 | ₹23.20 | 19 October 2026 |
| Walyte ORS | Wallace Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd | 1 sachet | ₹23.41 | ₹23.41 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Replacing water and salts lost in diarrhoea and vomiting, in children and adults.
- Preventing and treating mild to moderate dehydration from stomach infections.
- Dehydration from heat exposure, heavy sweating or fever.
- Keeping up fluids during cholera-like watery diarrhoea while seeking medical care.
How to take it
Dissolve one full sachet in exactly the volume of clean (boiled and cooled) drinking water printed on the pack – a 21 g sachet makes 1 litre. Never use less water to make it "stronger". Drink small sips frequently: adults can take 200 to 400 ml after each loose stool; children under 2 years about 50 to 100 ml and older children 100 to 200 ml after each stool, by spoon or cup. Use the prepared solution within 24 hours and discard the rest. Keep giving it as long as the diarrhoea lasts. Note: this page covers WHO-formula ORS powders, not ready-to-drink "electrolyte" beverages.
Side effects
Common
- Usually none when mixed correctly.
- Mild nausea if drunk too fast – slow down to small sips.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Vomiting that does not stop, so the solution is not retained – see a doctor.
- Signs of worsening dehydration despite ORS – very little urine, sunken eyes, drowsiness, fast breathing – go to a hospital.
- Too-concentrated solution (too little water) can raise sodium dangerously, especially in babies.
Safety information
Alcohol
Alcohol worsens dehydration. Avoid it while you have diarrhoea.
Pregnancy
Safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding; keep breastfeeding a baby who has diarrhoea and give ORS in addition.
Kidney problems
If you have kidney failure or are on fluid restriction, ask your doctor before drinking large volumes.
Liver problems
No specific concerns; if you have cirrhosis with fluid restriction, ask your doctor.
Children
Safe from infancy and the single most important treatment for childhood diarrhoea. Give with zinc tablets for 14 days as advised by a doctor. Do not add sugar or salt to the solution.
Missed dose
ORS is taken as needed after each loose stool, not on a fixed schedule. Just resume small, frequent sips.
Interactions
- No drug interactions of note.
- Do not mix ORS with milk, juice or soft drinks – use plain water only.
- Anti-diarrhoeal tablets like loperamide are not advised in children and do not replace ORS.
- Zinc supplements are recommended alongside ORS in children with diarrhoea.
Frequently asked questions
How much water should I mix with one Electral sachet?
Mix the full 21.8 g sachet in exactly 1 litre of clean water (smaller 4.4 g sachets make 200 ml). Using less water makes the solution too salty and can be dangerous, especially for babies.
How long can I keep prepared ORS?
Use it within 24 hours of mixing, kept covered at room temperature or in the fridge. Throw away leftovers and make fresh.
Can I give Electral to a baby?
Yes. ORS is safe from birth and is the main treatment for diarrhoea in infants. Give small amounts by spoon frequently and continue breastfeeding. See a doctor if the baby is very drowsy, not passing urine, or vomiting everything.
Is ORS the same as Glucon-D, Enerzal or ORSL drinks?
No. Glucose drinks and most "energy" or ready-to-drink electrolyte beverages do not have the WHO balance of salts and glucose, and some have too much sugar. For diarrhoea and dehydration, use a WHO-formula ORS powder.
Can I drink ORS daily even without diarrhoea?
It is not meant as a daily drink. In extreme heat or heavy sweating an occasional ORS is fine, but regular use adds unnecessary salt. People with high BP, heart or kidney disease should ask a doctor.
Can I add sugar or lemon to ORS?
No. Extra sugar makes diarrhoea worse and changes the balance. Mix only with water. Flavoured ORS sachets are fine if they are WHO formula.
Does ORS stop diarrhoea?
No. ORS prevents and treats dehydration, which is what makes diarrhoea dangerous. Diarrhoea itself usually settles in a few days; zinc helps in children. See a doctor for blood in stools, high fever or diarrhoea lasting beyond 3 days.
Is ORS available over the counter and under Jan Aushadhi?
Yes. WHO-formula ORS is an OTC product in India, is on the National List of Essential Medicines with an NPPA ceiling price, and is sold at Jan Aushadhi Kendras at a low fixed price.
Sources
- WHO – Diarrhoeal disease fact sheet (ORS) (19 October 2026)
- NHS – Dehydration (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms