ORS Rehydration Calculator
India · WHO & IAP Guidelines · Pediatric & Adult Diarrhea Treatment
ORS Dose Guidelines — Pediatric & Adult (WHO Plan A & B)
Mild dehydration (WHO Plan A - Home Treatment): Give 50ml/kg of ORS solution over 3–4 hours at home. Continue breastfeeding for infants. Offer extra ORS after each loose stool (50–100ml for children under 2 years, 100–200ml for older children and adults).
Moderate dehydration (WHO Plan B): Give 100ml/kg of ORS over 3–4 hours, preferably supervised at a health facility or clinic. Reassess the patient's hydration status after the 4-hour mark.
Severe dehydration (WHO Plan C): Requires immediate IV rehydration with Ringer's Lactate in a hospital. ORS should be started as soon as the patient is conscious and can safely drink.
Zinc Supplementation for Pediatric Diarrhea
The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) and WHO recommend zinc supplementation alongside ORS for all children with acute diarrhea: 10mg/day for infants under 6 months and 20mg/day for children 6 months and above, for exactly 14 days. Zinc reduces the duration and severity of diarrhea and helps prevent future episodes by regenerating the gut lining.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much ORS should I give my child?
For mild dehydration (WHO Plan A): 50ml per kg of body weight over 3–4 hours. For moderate dehydration (WHO Plan B): 100ml per kg over 3–4 hours. Always give in small frequent sips to prevent vomiting.
Which ORS brand is best in India?
WHO-approved ORS formula sachets like Electral, Enerlyte, or standard ORS WHO packets are best. They contain the correct sodium concentration of 75 mEq/L. Avoid energy drinks or untested homemade salt-sugar solutions for treating clinical dehydration.
Can I give ORS to a newborn?
Newborns and infants under 6 months with diarrhea must be seen by a pediatrician immediately. Continue breastfeeding frequently. Do not give plain water to newborns as it can cause dangerous hyponatremia.
What is the Zinc dose for pediatric diarrhea in India?
Per IAP guidelines, give 10mg/day for infants under 6 months, and 20mg/day for children 6 months and older. Continue for 14 days to rebuild gut lining and prevent future diarrhea episodes.
Should I stop feeding during diarrhea?
No — continue normal feeding and diets alongside ORS. Breastfed babies should continue breastfeeding. Stopping food prolongs recovery. Soft, easily digestible foods like the BRAT diet (banana, rice, applesauce, toast) or khichdi are commonly recommended in India.