We’re here to help prevent dehydration and answer any questions about Pedialyte®.
Be sure to talk with your doctor if you have additional questions, and follow your doctor’s recommendations and specific instructions.
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If you have questions regarding Pedialyte® products, please call us. Our team of product specialists,
including registered dietitians,† are available 7 days a week.
† Please note that the information provided on this website or by our nutrition specialists is intended for Canadian residents
and is not meant to replace any advice from your health care professional.
Pedialyte® is an oral electrolyte solution specifically designed to restore nutrients and electrolytes lost during diarrhea and vomiting. Pedialyte® contains the balance of sodium and sugar recommended by experts1,2 to help prevent dehydration, unlike common household beverages, such as sports drinks, sodas, and juices, which are too high in sugar and too low in sodium. Sodium is an important electrolyte lost during diarrhea and vomiting.
Typically, most retail locations stock Pedialyte® in the pharmacy section. It can also be found in the baby/toddler aisle. Ask your pharmacist.
Although Pedialyte® Unflavoured is suitable for infants under 1 year of age, this recommendation is intended to ensure the proper evaluation and treatment plan for infants who take Pedialyte®. A baby is at much greater risk for dehydration than an older child is, and it is important to encourage parents to discuss their baby's condition with a physician before rehydration during diarrhea and vomiting.
While it is recommended that an infant or child continue breastfeeding during bouts of diarrhea and vomiting, since each situation is different, we suggest consulting your health care professional to determine the best course of action for your child.
Pedialyte® liquid is ready to use. Therefore, no mixing or dilution is necessary. Pedialyte®’s specific blend of minerals and nutrients contains appropriate and balanced amounts of sugar and electrolytes in a particular quantity of fluid. If other fluids are added, the quantities and ratios of electrolytes and sugar may be altered, making the product less effective.
Additionally, adding other sweetened fluids could draw water back into the intestine and make diarrhea even worse. Therefore, no other fluids should be mixed with Pedialyte®, unless recommended by a health care professional.
For Pedialyte® powder sachets, it is necessary to add water. Follow the instructions indicated on the packaging to attain the optimal balance of sugar and electrolytes needed to help prevent dehydration.
If the taste of Unflavoured Pedialyte® is a concern, Pedialyte® is also available in numerous other flavours and formats.
Once Pedialyte® is opened, bacteria can potentially come into contact with the product from the air or through direct contact. This is called touch contamination. The bacteria grow slowly at refrigerator temperatures, but over time, the amount of bacteria can become significant. These bacteria may increase the risk of a second infection in people already suffering from gastroenteritis.
We do not recommend freezing any of our Pedialyte® products, unless they are specifically designed to be frozen, like Pedialyte® freezer pops. Pedialyte® freezer pops contain an ingredient (carboxymethylcellulose) that keeps the pops from freezing solid (like ice cubes) and makes them more "bite-able". Other Pedialyte® products do not contain this ingredient.
Pedialyte® contains the quantity and ratio of sugar (dextrose) and minerals (electrolytes) recommended by experts.1,2 This precise balance of sugar and electrolytes makes Pedialyte® effective in the management, treatment, and prevention of dehydration due to diarrhea and/or vomiting. The presence of a small amount of sugar enhances water absorption. However, adding extra sugar to Pedialyte® may make diarrhea worse by drawing water into the intestine, which would increase the risk of dehydration. Adding sweeteners makes Pedialyte® tasty and easy to drink, and helps maintain hydration and restore nutrients lost during diarrhea and vomiting.
Infants under 1 year of age: Consult your doctor.
Children 1-2 years: Give 50-100 mL per episode of diarrhea and/or vomiting, up to a maximum of 1 L over a period of
24 hours. Attempt to give solution as soon as diarrhea begins. Offer small, frequent sips every 15 minutes, increasing serving size as tolerated.
Children 2-9 years: Give 100-200 mL per episode of diarrhea and/or vomiting, up to a maximum of 1 L over a period of
8 to 24 hours. Attempt to give solution as soon as diarrhea begins. Offer small, frequent sips every 15 minutes, increasing serving size as tolerated.
Adults, adolescents, and children ≥ 10 years: Take/give 200-400 mL per episode of diarrhea and/or vomiting, or as much as wanted. Attempt to take/give solution as soon as diarrhea begins. Take/give small, frequent sips every
15 minutes, increasing serving size as tolerated.
Consult your doctor if vomiting, fever, or diarrhea continues beyond 24 hours or if consumption needs are greater than
2 L per day. Pedialyte® freezer pops are not for use in children under 2 years of age.
The amount of sugar/carbohydrates (dextrose) used in Pedialyte® is listed below, per formulation.
| Formulation | Sugar (dextrose) |
| Pedialyte® | 25 g per litre |
| Pedialyte® freezer pops | 25 g per litre (1.6 g per 62.5 mL freezer pop) |
| Pedialyte® AdvancedCareTM | 16 g per litre |
| Pedialyte® powder sachets | 25 g per litre |
Pedialyte® is used to help restore vital minerals and nutrients lost during diarrhea and vomiting. While it does contain carbohydrates, it may or may not contain enough carbohydrates for someone with diabetes, especially if insulin is being used. Parents of children with diabetes should check with their pediatrician for specific guidelines on using Pedialyte®.
Pedialyte® is not indicated for stopping diarrhea and vomiting, but it does help prevent the dehydration that can occur as a result of these symptoms. Unlike sports drinks, juices, and sodas, which can make diarrhea even worse, Pedialyte® is formulated with a special balance of sugar (dextrose) and minerals (electrolytes), which promotes rehydration.
To ensure the highest quality, Abbott Nutrition does not recommend consuming any product after the expiry date. The vitamin content and the physical stability cannot be guaranteed beyond the expiry date, because both can decrease with time.
Yes. Pedialyte® is safe for adults. Pedialyte® can help prevent dehydration in both adults and kids. Refer to the label for the quantity of Pedialyte® you will need to feel better fast. [https://pedialyte.ca/en/dehydration-symptoms-causes]
- World Health Organization. Oral Rehydration Salts: Production of the new ORS, 2006.
- Leung A, Prince T. Oral rehydration therapy and early refeeding in the management of childhood gastroenteritis. Canadian Paediatric Society Nutrition and Gastroenterology Committee. Paediatr Child Health 2006;11(8):527-31.
