Dioralyte

What is Dioralyte?

Dioralyte sachets contain essential replacement electrolytes, which help to replace fluids in the body during dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhoea.   

You can buy Dioralyte over the counter. 

What is Dioralyte used to treat?

Dioralyte is used for conditions that cause you to lose natural fluids in your body, such as acute diarrhoea or vomiting.

The powder is blackcurrant flavoured, which becomes a sweet-tasting drink when dissolved in a glass of water. Containing electrolytes, which are added to the water, it helps the body to absorb more fluid.

When you have conditions like acute diarrhoea, much of the fluid in your body is lost through excessive and watery bowel movements. Dioralyte, therefore, helps to prevent dehydration, which is particularly risky for the young and the elderly.

Why is Dioralyte recommended for dehydration?

Dioralyte has been tested and shown to be an effective oral rehydration solution. It has been found to be more effective than some other oral rehydration solutions. 

Furthermore, Dioralyte can be used by people of all ages, although children under the age of 2 years should only take it under a doctor’s recommendation. This means that if an entire household has been hit by a vomiting or diarrhoea bug, Dioralyte can be used to prevent dehydration in everyone.

How does Dioralyte work?

When you have uncontrollable problems like diarrhoea or vomiting, your body loses a lot of fluid, either through being sick or through watery bowel movements. This can lead to dehydration.

Dioralyte works to prevent dehydration by helping the body to absorb more fluids. It helps to replace the water and salts that are lost through vomiting and diarrhoea.

Dioralyte sachets contain salts and glucose, which work to help the body absorb electrolytes and water effectively. This helps to restore the healthy balance of electrolytes that the body needs to function properly.

Who can use Dioralyte?

Do not take Dioralyte sachets without speaking to your doctor first if any of these conditions apply to you:

• You are allergic to any of the ingredients contained in this medication
• You have an intestinal obstruction, where your bowel is either partially or fully blocked
• You are exhibiting signs of a serious allergic reaction
• The child who needs this medicine is under 2 years old
• You have diarrhoea that has lasted for longer than 24-48 hours
• You have diabetes
• You have chronic or persistent diarrhoea
• You have either liver or kidney disease
• You are on a low-potassium or low-sodium diet
• You have been told by your doctor that you are intolerant to certain types of sugars

Refer to the patient information leaflet for a comprehensive list of reasons why Dioralyte may not be suitable for you to take.

Can you buy Dioralyte over the counter?

Yes, Dioralyte can be bought from your local pharmacy or supermarket without needing a prescription.

However, if you have a child under the age of 2 years old, they should only take this medicine under a doctor’s advice.

Can you buy Dioralyte online in the UK?

You can buy Dioralyte online from Medicine Direct without needing a prescription. Just complete a simple and confidential online questionnaire to make sure it is suitable for you.

Never buy any kind of medication online unless it is from a registered pharmacy, like Medicine Direct. Always look for the pharmacy registration number on the homepage.

Dioralyte alternatives

There are several alternatives for diarrhoea available to buy online from Medicine Direct.

One of the most popular medicines for treating diarrhoea in adults and children over 9 years of age is Norimode. A prescription-only medicine (POM), Norimode should be taken for up to five days and works by slowing down food as it passes through the gut. This allows your body to draw in more water from the intestines, firming the stools and reducing how often you need to go to the toilet.

Loperamide Hydrochloride is one of the most effective medicines for treating diarrhoea. It is also the active ingredient contained in several branded medicines, including Norimode and Imodium. The generic version of this medicine is also available from Medicine Direct.