REHIDRAT® is an oral rehydration solution (ORS) . It is designed to help prevent and treat dehydration and electrolyte loss caused by conditions like diarrhoea and gastroenteritis. Produced by Johnson & Johnson (Pty) Ltd, this powder is an effective, scientifically formulated remedy to replace lost fluids and essential minerals, especially in infants, children, and adults.
1. What Is it ?
REHIDRAT® is a white to off-white powder packaged in 14 g sachets. Once mixed with water, it becomes a balanced oral rehydration solution. It contains vital electrolytes and sugars that help restore the body’s fluid balance.
2. Ingredients in REHIDRAT®
Each 14 g sachet of REHIDRAT® contains the following active ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount per sachet |
|---|---|
| Sodium chloride | 0.44 g |
| Potassium chloride | 0.38 g |
| Sodium bicarbonate | 0.42 g |
| Glucose | 4.1 g |
| Sucrose | 8.1 g |
When dissolved in 250 mL of water, the resulting solution contains:
| Electrolyte / Sugar | Concentration (mmol/L) |
|---|---|
| Sodium | 50 |
| Potassium | 20 |
| Chloride | 50 |
| Bicarbonate | 20 |
| Citrate | 9 |
| Glucose | 92 |
| Sucrose | 96 |
| Fructose | 1 |
| Total Osmolarity | 337 |
⚠️ Note: REHIDRAT® contains sugar and should be used cautiously in patients with glucose-galactose malabsorption or diabetes mellitus.
3. What Is REHIDRAT® Used For?
Therapeutic Indications
REHIDRAT® is used for:
- Preventing and treating dehydration
- Replacing electrolytes (salts) lost due to:
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Gastroenteritis
It is suitable for infants, children, and adults under appropriate medical supervision.
4. How to Use REHIDRAT®
Preparation Instructions
- Dissolve one 14 g sachet of REHIDRAT® in 250 mL of freshly boiled and cooled water.
- Stir until completely dissolved.
- Discard any unused solution after 24 hours.
- Do not add sugar, salt, or any other fluids to the solution.
Administration Tips
- Use a baby bottle, spoon, or cup — whichever your infant is familiar with.
- Can be given in between or alongside meals.
- Administer in small, frequent sips to avoid vomiting.
5. Dosage Guide
Rehydration Phase
| Age Group | Recommended Dose |
|---|---|
| Infants (<1 year) | ½ to 1 cup (100 – 200 mL) per stool |
| Children (1–5 years) | At least 1 cup (200 mL) per stool |
| Older children & adults | Drink to thirst and to replace stool loss |
Maintenance Therapy (Per Day)
| Age | Dose |
|---|---|
| Infants (<1 year) | 120 mL/kg |
| Children (1–2 years) | 100 mL/kg |
| Children (2–4 years) | 85 mL/kg |
| Children (4–10 years) | 70 mL/kg |
| Older children & adults | 2 to 3 litres |
In Dehydration
| Dehydration Severity | Rehydration Dose |
|---|---|
| Mild | 50 mL/kg over 6 hours |
| Moderate–Severe | 100 mL/kg over 6 hours (preferably IV fluids) |
Add 10–20 mL/kg for each additional stool passed.
6. Who Should Not Use REHIDRAT®?
Do not use REHIDRAT® in the following situations:
- Known allergy to any ingredient
- Renal failure (oliguria or anuria)
- Intestinal blockage or paralytic ileus
- Severe dehydration requiring intravenous fluids
- Glucose-galactose malabsorption
- Haemodynamic shock
7. Important Warnings and Precautions
Contact a doctor or healthcare professional if:
- An infant cannot drink fluids
- Dehydration symptoms worsen
- Severe diarrhoea continues for over 12 hours
Use with Caution in:
- Patients with renal or adrenal issues
- Those on ACE inhibitors, potassium-sparing diuretics
- Patients with heart failure, hypertension, or fluid retention
- People with diabetes mellitus
- Patients with hereditary sugar intolerance
❗ REHIDRAT® should not be mixed with other oral electrolyte solutions or have additional sugar/salt added.
8. Can You Use REHIDRAT® During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding?
There are no well-controlled studies on REHIDRAT® during pregnancy or lactation. Its safety has not been established, so always consult a healthcare provider before use.
9. Can You Drive or Operate Machinery After Taking REHIDRAT®?
REHIDRAT® has no known effect on your ability to drive or use machines. It is safe in this regard.
10. Possible Side Effects of Rehidrat®
No specific adverse effects have been identified based on post-marketing safety data. However, rapid consumption can lead to vomiting.
11. What to Do in Case of Overdose
There have been no known overdose cases reported. However, if an overdose is suspected, seek medical help immediately.
12. Storage and Handling
- Store sachets in a cool, dry place.
- Once mixed, use the solution within 24 hours.
- Discard any leftover solution after this time.
13. Additional Product Information
| Product Flavours | Blackcurrant, Orange, Vanilla |
|---|---|
| Pack Size | 14 g sachet |
| Scheduling Status | S0 (Available without prescription) |
| Manufacturer | Johnson & Johnson (Pty) Ltd |
| Date of Approval | 26 July 2023 |
| Contact Number | 0860 410032 (Landline) |
Final Thoughts
REHIDRAT® is a simple, safe, and effective solution to treat and prevent dehydration. Whether due to diarrhoea, vomiting, or illness, this oral rehydration product helps restore balance and support recovery in people of all ages. Always follow the dosage instructions and consult a doctor if symptoms worsen.
✅ For best results, always prepare the solution correctly, administer it gradually, and keep your child or patient well-monitored during rehydration therapy.
Education:
Maria Shkarletova Kupyanskiy Medical College 2008-2012
NPU (National Pharmaceutical University) 2013-2018
Work experience:
2012 – 2014 Center for Emergency Medical Care and Catastrophe Medicine. Regional Perinatal Center – Midwife
2014 – 2015 Titan TPO Health Pharmacy – Pharmacist
2015 – 2016 FOP Kravchenko – Pharmacist
2016 – 2018 FOP Kravchenko Pharmacy – Pharmacist
2018 – to date FOP Sanders Loft (Wholesale Pharmacy) – Pharmacist
