An Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) sachet is a pre-measured powder formulated to be dissolved in exactly 500 ml (half a litre) of clean drinking water. It is used to quickly restore fluids and essential electrolytes lost due to diarrhoea, vomiting, or excessive sweating.
Always check the instructions on your specific packet before mixing, as packet sizes vary.
How to Prepare and Use a 500ml ORS Sachet
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Measure the water precisely: Pour exactly 500 ml of clean, safe drinking water into a clean container. For infants, use water that has been boiled and allowed to cool completely.
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Add the entire packet: Empty the whole 500ml sachet into the water. Do not split the powder to mix smaller amounts, as this alters the precise scientific balance of salts and sugars.
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Mix well: Stir until the powder dissolves completely. Do not add any extra sugar, salt, juice, or milk to the solution.
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Drink in small sips: Sip the solution slowly. If vomiting occurs, pause for 10 minutes and then continue drinking even more slowly.
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Observe storage limits: Keep the prepared solution covered. Discard any leftovers after 24 hours if stored in a refrigerator, or after 1 hour if kept at room temperature.
Common 500ml Brands and Availability
If you are looking to purchase these locally, several WHO-approved formulations come pre-measured or pre-mixed for 500 ml fluid volumes:
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Orasol 500ml (Sachets or ready-to-drink solutions)
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Electral 500ml (WHO-compliant hydration packets)
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Universal / Lab & Allied ORS 500ml sachets (Widely distributed affordable packets)
