What is Dioralyte and what is it used for?

Dioralyte Sachets prevent dehydration by replacing fluids and essential electrolytes, including glucose and salts that are lost due to diarrhoea or acute vomiting. The sachets contain a pleasant-tasting powder available as either natural, blackcurrant or citrus, which is dissolved in a glass of water before drinking.

Dioralyte can be taken to help prevent dehydration throughout all episodes of diarrhoea and vomiting as long as you are not advised against its use by a healthcare professional. It is often used alongside an antibiotic in treating traveller’s diarrhoea. This is a condition that occurs after consuming contaminated food or drinking water, usually in a foreign country, most often caused by a bacterial infection. If you are travelling it is a good idea to carry Dioralyte with you as a precaution.

Boxes of Dioralyte contain 20 sachets and can be used by people of all ages, including infants to prevent dehydration during vomiting and diarrhoea for those that may be particularly vulnerable including the elderly and young children.

What is dehydration?

In simple terms, dehydration is when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This most commonly happens through either diarrhoea or vomiting. Dehydration can be very serious if left untreated, particularly in children and the elderly.

Symptoms of dehydration include:

• Increased thirst
• Dry lips, mouth and eyes
• Dark yellow, often strong-smelling urine
• Reduced urine output, which may be less than 4 times a day
• Feeling tired, dizzy or faint

How does Dioralyte work?

Dioralyte sachets contain a scientifically tailored amount of glucose and salts such a sodium, potassium and disodium that when added to water and drank, help the body to absorb more fluids. Providing vital hydration and sugar that are lost during episodes of diarrhoea and vomiting.

Alternatives to Dioralyte

It is recommended that for episodes of diarrhoea that you also take, in conjunction with Dioralyte, an antidiarrheal medication such as Immodium or Loperamide to help reduce bowel movements, slowing down the frequency and amount of fluid loss through diarrhoea.

For those that want to take precautions against travellers' diarrhoea when abroad, At The Independent Pharmacy we have available to purchase a Ciprofloxacin and Azithromycin Traveller's Diarrhoea Packs that also contain an antidiarrheal and a box of Dioralyte. These can be carried with you when travelling and can be started only if needed to combat diarrhoea and vomiting caused by eating or drinking contaminated food or drink while abroad.

For more information regarding how to avoid and treat travellers, diarrhoea why not have a look at our Traveller's Diarrhoea Advice page.

Sources

• Dioralye, Patient Information Leaflet: Patient Information Leaflet