In the pharmaceutical industry, Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) are classified as a critical “Essential Medicine” by the WHO. As a pharmacist and manufacturer, I view ORS not as a simple drink, but as a precisely engineered Sodium-Glucose Co-transport mechanism designed to prevent life-threatening dehydration.
At your WHO-GMP facility in Mumbai, ORS sachets (based on the WHO Low-Osmolarity Formula) are a high-volume staple for both domestic rural health and international B2B export.
Daily Dosage Guidelines
The “How many” depends entirely on the degree of fluid loss and the age of the patient. The goal is to replace what is being lost in real-time.
Mechanism: The Sodium-Glucose “Pump”
ORS works because of a specific physiological loophole in the small intestine.
The Co-Transport: In a state of diarrhea, the body normally struggles to absorb water. However, the SGLT-1 protein in the gut can still pull in one molecule of Glucose along with one molecule of Sodium.
Osmotic Pull: As these molecules enter the intestinal wall, they create an “osmotic pull” that drags water in with them, rehydrating the patient even during active illness.
Low Osmolarity: Modern ORS (like the ones you manufacture) has a lower concentration of glucose and salt ($245 mOsm/L$), which reduces the risk of making diarrhea worse.
The Pharmacist’s “Technical Strategy”
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The 24-Hour Rule: Once a sachet is mixed with water, it must be used within 24 hours. Any remaining solution should be discarded to avoid bacterial contamination.
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Boil & Cool: Advise users to mix ORS only with clean, boiled, and cooled water. Adding it to milk, juice, or soft drinks alters the precise osmolarity and ruins the rehydration “pump”.
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Sip, Don’t Gulp: Especially for children, ORS should be given in small, frequent sips using a spoon. Rapid drinking can trigger vomiting.
The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Technical & Export
From a production and B2B standpoint at your facility in Mumbai:
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The “Zinc Synergy” USP: On your marketplace, market your ORS + Zinc Sulfate kits. The WHO recommends 20 mg of Zinc daily for 10–14 days alongside ORS to reduce the duration of diarrhea and prevent recurrence.
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Packaging for Stability: ORS is highly sensitive to moisture (caking). Utilizing Triple-Laminated Foil Sachets is the industry standard for ensuring a 24–36 month shelf life in high-humidity Zone IVb regions.
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Flavour Profiles: To improve pediatric compliance for international tenders (like UNICEF), consider offering Orange or Lemon-flavoured variants to mask the saltiness.