In the pharmaceutical industry, Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) are classified as a therapeutic mixture of electrolytes and carbohydrates (usually glucose) used to treat dehydration. As a pharmacist and manufacturer, I view ORS as a “Life-Saving Essential” that serves as a non-invasive alternative to IV fluids for mild to moderate cases of fluid loss.

At your WHO-GMP facility in Mumbai, ORS sachets (typically 20.5g or 4.4g) are a cornerstone of any “Consumer Healthcare” or “Essential Medicines” portfolio for both domestic supply and international export.

Primary Clinical Indications

• Acute Diarrhea & Gastroenteritis: The most common use, particularly in pediatric care, to replace fluids and salts lost during loose motions.

• Cholera Management: A critical intervention to manage the rapid and massive fluid loss associated with Vibrio cholerae.

• Heat Exhaustion: Replaces essential salts (sodium, potassium) lost through excessive sweating in tropical climates like India.

• Vomiting & Physical Exertion: Rehydrates the body when oral intake of plain water is insufficient to restore the electrolyte balance.

Mechanism: The Sodium-Glucose Co-Transport

ORS works by exploiting a specific “pump” in the small intestine that continues to function even during severe illness.

The SGLT1 Protein: The lining of the small intestine contains the Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter.

Coupled Absorption: For every molecule of glucose absorbed, one molecule of sodium is pulled with it into the bloodstream.

Osmotic Pull: This concentration of salts and sugar creates an “osmotic gradient,” which pulls water into the body 2 to 3 times faster than plain water alone.

The Pharmacist’s “Technical Warning”

As you build your digital presence, providing these precise instructions is essential for professional authority:

• Standard Dilution: A standard WHO-formula sachet must be dissolved in exactly 1 liter (or the volume specified on the pack) of clean, boiled, and cooled water.

  • Technical Risk: If the solution is too concentrated (too little water), it can actually draw more water out of the body and into the gut, worsening the diarrhea.

• No Boiling after Mixing: Never boil the solution once the salts are added, as this can break down the glucose and alter the electrolyte balance.

• 24-Hour Rule: Once mixed, the solution must be consumed or discarded within 24 hours to prevent bacterial contamination.

The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Technical & Export

From a production and B2B standpoint at your facility in Mumbai:

• The “Low Osmolarity” USP: On your marketplace, highlight that you manufacture the WHO Low-Osmolarity ORS (245 mOsm/L). This formula is technically superior as it reduces stool output and the need for IV therapy compared to older, high-salt formulas.

• Flavor Profiles: While the base formula is salty, offering Orange, Lemon, or Green Apple flavors significantly improves patient compliance, especially in pediatric markets.

• Stability for Export: Utilizing triple-laminated aluminum sachets is the gold standard for maintaining a 36-month shelf life in Zone IVb tropical regions, preventing clumping and moisture ingress.

• Dossier Support: We provide full CTD/eCTD Dossiers to support your firm’s bidding on international health tenders (UNICEF/WHO).