Humans have an unquenchable thirst for water. It’s the most important nutrient for us on the planet, and ideally, we should be drinking water every day. For many, it’s a challenge to keep up with this near-constant need for water. Dehydration is one of the most common preventable medical conditions in the world, and it affects millions in the United States. Yet for something so common, most of us are unaware of its dangers. A survey of 3,003 Americans found that 75 percent likely had a net fluid loss, resulting in chronic dehydration. Although the survey found that Americans drank about eight servings of hydrating beverages per day, this is offset by drinking caffeinated beverages and alcohol and eating a diet high in sodium.
Dehydration can lead to serious complications, including:
• Heat injury. If you don’t drink enough fluids when you’re exercising vigorously and perspiring heavily, you may end up with a heat injury, ranging in severity from mild heat cramps to heat exhaustion or potentially life-threatening heatstroke.
• Urinary and kidney problems. Prolonged or repeated bouts of dehydration can cause urinary tract infections, kidney stones and even kidney failure.
• Seizures. Electrolytes — such as potassium and sodium — help carry electrical signals from cell to cell. If your electrolytes are out of balance, the normal electrical messages can become mixed up, which can lead to involuntary muscle contractions and sometimes to a loss of consciousness.
• Low blood volume shock (hypovolemic shock). This is one of the most serious, and sometimes life-threatening, complications of dehydration. It occurs when low blood volume causes a drop in blood pressure and a drop in the amount of oxygen in your body.
What is Pedialyte?
Pedialyte is a flavored, ready-to-drink, Oral Rehydration Solution used to replace fluids and minerals (such as sodium, potassium) lost due to diarrhea and vomiting. It helps prevent or treat dehydration. Having the right amount of fluids and minerals is important for the normal functioning of the body.
Pedialyte is traditionally marketed as an over-the-counter (OTC) rehydration solution for children who have lost fluids and electrolytes due to diarrhea or vomiting.
Pedialyte is available as Unflavoured Pedialyte, Fruit-flavoured Pedialyte, Grape-flavoured Pedialyte, and Freezer pops Pedialyte.
How Good Is Pedialyte For Adults?
One of the major benefits of Pedialyte for adults is the fast restoration of minerals and fluids. Your doctor may also prescribe or recommend Pedialyte for you after fluid loss due to illness. The solution consists of salt, water, and sugar, which replenish fluids and electrolytes that have been lost from the body. It also helps the intestines absorb water to prevent further dehydration. However, some Pedialyte products are unsuitable for adults, especially those specifically designed to appeal to children like the Pedialyte freeze pops.
In addition, adults with an allergic reaction to potassium citrate, sodium chloride (salt), or sodium citrate should avoid Pedialyte. Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have any underlying kidney issues before taking Pedialyte as an adult.
How Much Pedialyte Is Safe For Adults?
• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.
• Some liquid brands of this medicine should not be used more than 48 hours (2 days) after the medicine was opened. Follow the instructions on the medicine label, and throw out medicine that has been open for more than 48 hours.
• The liquid medicine that comes in a plastic sleeve can be frozen and eaten as a popsicle. You can also pour the medicine from the sleeve into a cup or glass to drink. Throw out any of the medicine that you do not use right away.
• Do not add additional water or juice to the liquid brands of this medicine. Adding more liquids can cause the medicine not to work as well.
• Do not heat the liquid medicine.
• To use the powder medicine, follow the directions on the packet. Mix the powder with the correct amount of water in a cup or glass, and stir until all the powder is dissolved. Refrigerate any unused medicine in a closed container. Throw out any unused medicine after 24 hours (1 day).
• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.
• Do not add additional water or juice to the liquid brands of this medicine. Adding more liquids can cause the medicine not to work as well.
• Some liquid brands of this medicine should not be used more than 48 hours (2 days) after the medicine was opened. Follow the instructions on the medicine label, and throw out medicine that has been open for more than 48 hours.
• Do not heat the liquid medicine.
• The liquid medicine that comes in a plastic sleeve can be frozen and eaten as a popsicle. You can also pour the medicine from the sleeve into a cup or glass to drink. Throw out any of the medicine that you do not use right away.
• To use the powder medicine, follow the directions on the packet. Mix the powder with the correct amount of water in a cup or glass, and stir until all the powder is dissolved. Refrigerate any unused medicine in a closed container. Throw out any unused medicine after 24 hours (1 day).
What to do if you miss a dose of Pedialyte?
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Dispose of outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Throw out any liquid medicine that has been open for longer than 48 hours (2 days). Throw out any of the powder medicine that has been open for longer than 24 hours (1 day).
• After using the liquid medicine from the reclosable bottle, put the cap back on the bottle, and store any unused portion in the refrigerator.
Pedialyte Side Effects In Adults
Along with its needed effects, Pedialyte may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Side effects of Pedialyte in adults include:
- Convulsions (seizures)
- Dizziness
- Fast heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Irritability
- Muscle twitching
- Puffy eyelids
- Restlessness
- Swelling of feet or lower legs
- Vomiting (mild)
- Weakness
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the serious side effects listed above occur while taking Pedialyte
