Pedialyte: How It Works, Dosage and more

Dehydration (a condition that leads to extreme thirst that is caused by not drinking enough fluid - water or by losing more fluid than you take in) is a condition that everyone will not want to happen to them anyway and at any time, and that is why people often find ways to prevent this.

Ways of preventing dehydration could come in ways like carrying water in containers or plastic bottles with you when you go out or making sure wherever you are going to have to go for the day, there’s water nearby. But what happens if you exhaust the water you took with you and there’s no drinking water close to you?

This is where Pedialyte comes in. Many of us must have heard of this emergency water alternative. If you haven’t heard of Pedialyte and are here to know more about it, then you are in the right place. Healthsoothe will answer all your questions as usual.

Today’s article aims to expatiate on all there is to know about Pedialyte; how it works, its uses, its side effects, interactions, and much more about it.

Keep reading to find all there’s to know about Pedialyte.

Before we proceed on Pedialyte, What Do You Know About Dehydration?

Dehydration is caused by not drinking enough or losing more fluid than you take in. Fluid is lost through sweat, tears, vomiting, urine, or diarrhea. The severity of dehydration can depend on a number of factors, such as climate, level of physical activity, and diet.

Dehydration can have causes that aren't due to underlying disease. Examples include heat, excessive activity, insufficient fluid consumption, excessive sweating, or medication side effects.

Symptoms of Dehydration in Infants and Children

Signs of mild to moderate dehydration in infants and children include:

• dry mouth and tongue
• little to no tear production when crying
• infrequent urination—no wet diapers for 3 hours, or less than 6 wet diapers a day
• irritability
• lethargy
• disinterest in playing
• sunken soft spot atop the head (babies)
• In infants and children, severe dehydration can cause these additional symptoms:
• extreme fussiness
• extreme sleepiness
• sunken eyes
• wrinkled skin
• cold or discolored skin
• urination only once or twice a day
• dark urine
• constipation
• racing heartbeat
• fast breath

If your toddler or child is showing any of the signs listed above, seek emergency medical attention right away.

Symptoms of Dehydration in adults

Signs of mild to moderate dehydration in adults include:

• thirst
• dry mouth
• headache
• light-headedness, dizziness
• muscle cramps
• headache
• decreased urination
• dark urine
• constipation
• fatigue
• dry skin

Adults and elderly people may not notice thirst until dehydration has already set in. Severe dehydration requires immediate medical attention.

You should seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs and symptoms:

• extreme thirst
• low blood pressure (hypotension)
• racing heartbeat
• rapid breathing
• sunken eyes
• shriveled skin
• decreased sweat production
• extreme fatigue
• disorientation
• confusion

Causes of Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when your total fluid output exceeds the fluids you take in. You don’t have to have an illness to experience fluid loss.

The following can contribute to dehydration:

• Not drinking enough water: One of the most common causes of dehydration is not drinking enough water throughout the day.
• Exercise: When you exercise, particularly in a warm environment, you may lose more body fluid than usual through your sweat.
• Hot climate: Living or working in a hot climate can increase how much you sweat.
• Fever, diarrhea, and vomiting: Illnesses that cause symptoms such as a high temperature, diarrhea, or vomiting can deplete your body’s fluids.
• Chronic illnesses: Long-term illnesses such as diabetes can cause frequent urination.
• Other substances: Diuretics, including alcohol, can cause your body to expel more urine than usual. Some common medications, such as blood pressure drugs, also have diuretic effects.

What is Pedialyte?

Pedialyte is an oral rehydration solution specifically designed to quickly replenish fluids and electrolytes lost due to diarrhea and vomiting, fever, exercise, heat, and travel.

Pedialyte is an over-the-counter (OTC) oral rehydration drink that’s effective for all age groups, including children over the age of 1, adults, and older adults. It targets electrolyte imbalances caused by dehydration.

The ingredients of Pedialyte are electrolytes as well as a small amount of sugar (glucose). Electrolytes are mineral nutrients such as sodium, potassium, and chloride that help to control fluid levels in your body. These nutrients also help maintain your blood pressure, allow your nerves to send and receive electrical signals, and regulate pH levels.

The precise combination of electrolytes and sugars in Pedialyte helps to restore fluid levels and the nutrients that are lost through sweating, urinating, vomiting and diarrhea.

It’s more effective than water — which does not contain electrolytes — at treating mild to moderate dehydration.

Pedialyte is also more effective at restoring your fluid levels than beverages such as sodas, juices, or sports drinks. These drinks are often too high in sugar and too low in sodium (salt), an electrolyte that’s usually lost during diarrhea and vomiting.

All Pedialyte products can be used by children or adults. There are, though, some product flavors and formats — such as Pedialyte freeze pops — designed specifically to appeal to children.

Who Can Use Pedialyte?

Lots of people ask, “Is Pedialyte for adults too?” The answer is, “Yes!” Uses of Pedialyte range from helping adults and kids stay hydrated during the stomach flu to helping athletes rehydrate after a serious workout.

With a variety of flavors and forms to choose from, there is a Pedialyte that's right for everyone.

How Does Pedialyte Work?

Pedialyte helps prevent dehydration and restore fluids, electrolytes, and zinc. Pedialyte is scientifically formulated with the optimal balance of sugar and sodium electrolytes needed to help replenish fluids and electrolytes, the loss of which can lead to dehydration.

For over 50 years, Pedialyte has been helping kids and adults prevent and recover from challenging episodes of dehydration.

Watch the video below to know more on Pedialyte:

How to Use Pedialyte

Pedialyte is meant to be taken by mouth, according to the instructions on the product package. Shake the bottle well before drinking the Pedialyte solution.

Unless recommended by a healthcare professional, liquid forms of Pedialyte should not be mixed with other fluids such as water, juices, milk, or formula. Doing so will alter the ratio of electrolytes and sugars. This can make Pedialyte less effective.

Some brands of Pedialyte come in a powdered form. This type of product will need to be mixed with 8 ounces of water (not juice or any other type of beverage) before being consumed.

If you don’t like the taste, there are several flavors that may be easier to drink, such as strawberry, grape, or bubble gum.

How much to take:

• If you or your child has lost a lot of fluid because of diarrhea or vomiting, you may need 4–8 servings (32 to 64 ounces) of Pedialyte a day to prevent dehydration.
• Talk with your doctor if vomiting, diarrhea, or fever lasts for more than 24 hours.

Dosage Information for Pedialyte

The recommended dose for mild to moderate dehydration due to diarrhea and vomiting:

• Infants under 1 year of age: Consult your doctor.
• Children 1-2 years: Give 50–100 mL per episode of diarrhea and/or vomiting, up to a maximum of 1 L over a period of 24 hours. Attempt to give a solution as soon as diarrhea begins. Offer small, frequent sips every 15 minutes, increasing serving size as tolerated.
• Children 2-9 years: Give 100–200 mL per episode of diarrhea and/or vomiting, up to a maximum of 1 L over a period of 8 to 24 hours. Attempt to give a solution as soon as diarrhea begins. Offer small, frequent sips every 15 minutes, increasing serving size as tolerated.
• Adults, adolescents, and children ≥ 10 years: Take/give 200–400 mL per episode of diarrhea and/or vomiting or as much as wanted. Attempt to take/give a solution as soon as diarrhea begins. Take/give small, frequent sips every 15 minutes, increasing serving size as tolerated.

Consult your doctor if vomiting, fever, or diarrhea continues beyond 24 hours or if consumption needs are greater than 2 L per day. Pedialyte freezer pops are not for use in children under 2 years of age.

The recommended dose for mild to moderate dehydration due to other causes (fever, traveling, heat, exercise, and medical procedures/treatments which may increase the risk of dehydration):

• Children <10 years: Consult a healthcare professional.
• Adults, adolescents, and children ≥ 10 years: Take/give 400 mL–2 L per day as needed, or as directed by a health care professional.

What Happens if You Overdose on Pedialyte, and What Do You Do After That?

There have been no recorded cases of people overdosing on Pedialyte, but if you or someone has overdosed on Pedialyte and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call the doctor or your emergency care provider number immediately. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away.

US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Uses or Benefits of Pedialyte

This product is used to replace fluids and minerals (such as sodium, and potassium) lost due to diarrhea and vomiting. It helps prevent or treat dehydration. Having the right amount of fluids and minerals is important for the normal functioning of the body.

People use Pedialyte to rehydrate or prevent dehydration from:

Sweating due to:

• Exercise
• Fever
• Hea
• Travel

Diarrhea and vomiting associated with:

• Stomach flu
• Food poisoning
• Travel

Side Effects of Taking Pedialyte

Mild nausea and vomiting may occur. These effects can be decreased by taking this product slowly in small amounts with a spoon. If any of these effects last or get worse, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including dizziness, unusual weakness, swelling of ankles/feet, mental/mood changes (such as irritability, restlessness), and seizures.

A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

What are the Drug Interactions of Pedialyte?

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This article does not contain all possible drug interactions.

Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with Pedialyte include mineral supplements (such as potassium).

Precautions to be Observed Before, During, and After Taking Pedialyte

There following are precautionary measures to be followed concerning the taking of Pedialyte:

• Before taking Pedialyte, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
• Pedialyte may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
• Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Pedialyte if you have any of the following health problems; inability to keep fluids in the stomach (for example, due to vomiting that is severe or doesn't stop), difficulty urinating, intestinal blockage.
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using Pedialyte.
• It is unknown if Pedialyte passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Is it Safe to Use Pedialyte, Especially in the Long Term?

Yes, Pedialyte has been proven safe to use. It even boosts a person's system more than ordinary water, Pedialyte can be suitable for runners to help prevent or relieve dehydration and can be used to rehydrate after extreme perspiration. Pedialyte is formulated to help prevent dehydration by replacing fluids and electrolytes that may be lost during exercise.

It can also be used as part of your workout recovery. Pedialyte contains sodium, potassium, and chloride. For effective rehydration, we need both fluids and electrolytes, like those found in Pedialyte, to rehydrate and feel better fast. So, it is okay to say that Pedialyte is safe, but it is unknown if Pedialyte passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

How Long Do You Have to Take Pedialyte Before You See Improvements?

Pedialyte is scientifically designed for fast, effective rehydration and quickly replenishes fluids and electrolytes lost during diarrhea and vomiting. It is also as effective as intravenous therapy to help prevent mild to moderate dehydration. Rehydrate with Pedialyte to feel better fast.

How Much Does Pedialyte cost?

The cost for Pedialyte is around $2.5 to $8, depending on the type of Pedialyte you want to buy and the pharmacy you visit.

Where Can You Buy Pedialyte?

Pedialyte is available at most retail locations and pharmacies.

What Else Can Help with Treating Dehydration?

The only way to treat dehydration is to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. This may vary according to your age, how severe your dehydration is, and what caused it.

For Babies

For babies younger than 1-year-old, talk with your doctor about how to treat mild to moderate dehydration. Giving small quantities of undiluted breast milk or formula is usually recommended.

Your doctor might also recommend a small quantity of Pedialyte or another OTC oral rehydration solution between feedings.

For toddlers and older children

For toddlers and older children, oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte are the best treatment. Try to avoid giving your child water alone, as it may further deplete their electrolytes.

If your child is having difficulty keeping liquids down, try giving them smaller amounts of Pedialyte using a spoon or squirting a little into their mouth with a syringe. Older children can have juice or sports drinks if you don’t have an oral rehydration solution on hand.

Be sure to dilute the juice or sports drinks with an equal quantity of water first, as too much sugar can worsen dehydration.

For Adults

For mild to moderate dehydration in adults, opt for water, diluted juice, or sports drinks if you don’t have Pedialyte on hand.

Medical Treatment

If you, your child, or your loved one has symptoms of severe dehydration that aren’t getting better, get to the emergency room as soon as you can. Medical treatment typically involves administering fluids and electrolytes intravenously. This treatment works faster than replenishing fluids orally.

To prevent dehydration, try to repeatedly sip or drink water throughout the day. It’s recommended that:

• adults drink about 8 cups (2 liters) of water a day
• children drink between 5 and 8 cups a day, depending on their age
• If you find it difficult to measure fluid intake throughout the day, get into the habit of constantly sipping water as you go about your daily activities.

If you find it hard to drink a lot of water, you can also try drinking:

• water infused with fruit
• sparkling unsweetened flavored water
• low-fat milk
• decaffeinated herbal tea

You can also increase your fluid intake by eating foods high in water, such as:

• lettuce
• celery
• zucchini
• watermelon
• cantaloupe

Pedialyte vs Other Drinks

Sports drinks, juice, and soda are too low in sodium, an important electrolyte that’s lost in cases of dehydration. Often, these beverages are also too high in sugar.

Did you know? Too much sugar can make diarrhea worse, leading to more dehydration.

Pedialyte AdvancedCare Plus has up to six times less sugar than sports drinks, juice, and soda. It also has the appropriate level of sodium recommended by the World Health Organization.

Sometimes water just isn’t enough

Our bodies need a balance of fluids and electrolytes to work properly. When your body has an electrolyte imbalance, it doesn’t absorb fluids as it should. That’s why it’s really important to replace electrolytes when you’re facing challenging episodes of dehydration.

Pedialyte is scientifically designed for fast, effective rehydration to help you feel better, fast.

Pedialyte contains zinc. What is zinc and what are its benefits?

Zinc is an important nutrient that can’t be stored in the body. This means zinc levels are determined by food intake, absorption, and losses (such as diarrhea). Zinc is found in foods such as meat, shellfish, nuts, and legumes.

Zinc benefits the body in the following ways:

• It plays a role in the intestinal absorption of water and electrolytes.
• It helps reduce the severity and duration of diarrhea.
• It helps maintain immune function.

Pedialyte AdvancedCare Plus and Pedialyte AdvancedCare have Pre-Active prebiotics. What can they do?

There’s a balance of good and bad bacteria in your body. When you have diarrhea, that balance is disrupted. That’s where prebiotics comes in! Prebiotics are a source of fuel for the good bacteria in your gut and can help restore the balance between good and bad bacteria.

The Bottom Line

Pedialyte is an OTC rehydration drink for both children and adults. It’s one of the most effective and safest treatments available for mild to moderate dehydration. Because it contains electrolytes, it’s more effective than drinking only water if you’ve lost a lot of fluids.

You can prevent dehydration by drinking water regularly throughout the day. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty, as this often means you’re already dehydrated.

Why should you choose Pedialyte over other drinks?

• Pedialyte helps you feel better fast. It is scientifically formulated for fast, effective rehydration.
• Pedialyte is said to be the #1 doctor and pharmacist-recommended brand.
• Pedialyte replenishes zinc, for immune support.
• Pedialyte is suitable for the entire family.
• Unlike sports drinks, juice, and soda, Pedialyte contains the optimal levels of electrolytes and sugar recommended by experts to help prevent dehydration.

All right, guys, that is it for now for Pedialyte. I hope Healthsoothe answered any questions you had concerning Pedialyte. 

Feel free to contact us at [email protected] if you have further questions to ask or if there’s anything you want to contribute or correct to this article. And don’t worry, Healthsoothe doesn’t bite. 

You can always check our FAQs section below to know more about Pedialyte. And always remember that Healthsoothe is one of the best health sites out there that genuinely cares for you. So, anytime, you need trustworthy answers to any of your health-related questions, come straight to us, and we will solve your problem(s) for you.