ORS

Medical abbreviation · Drug

ORS
Stands forOral rehydration solution
CategoriesMedical

ORS stands for Oral rehydration solution, a drug abbreviation.

Precisely balanced mixture of glucose, sodium, potassium and citrate or bicarbonate that is drunk to treat dehydration from diarrhea. Glucose-coupled sodium absorption in the gut keeps working even in cholera.

Example: Give ORS 50-100 mL/kg over 4 hours for moderate dehydration; small frequent sips.

Usage notes

In 1978 The Lancet called oral rehydration "potentially the most important medical advance of this century", and it has saved millions of children. The WHO and UNICEF adopted a reduced-osmolarity formula in 2002 that lowers vomiting and stool output. Sports drinks and juice contain too much sugar and too little salt to substitute for ORS.

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Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.