Introduction About ELECTRAL POWDER

Electral Powder 4.4gm – ORS Solution for Rehydration 

Electral Powder is a WHO-recommended electrolyte solution used to restore body fluids and prevent dehydration caused due to diarrhea, vomiting, heat exhaustion, and physical exertion. It contains sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium citrate and anhydrous dextrose as active ingredients which hydrates and maintains normal fluid and salt balance in the body. 

Anhydrous dextrose or glucose is the primary ingredient of ORS. It facilitates the absorption of sodium and water in the small intestine. Sodium and potassium chloride are needed as replacement for their loss during diarrhoea and vomiting. Sodium citrate corrects the excess acid levels that occurs as a result of diarrhoea. 

Always take Electral Powder as advised by your doctor. Dissolve the contents of the sachet in one litre of drinking water. Use only the recommended dilutions and do not add extra water, as it may interfere with the dilutions. 

Key Composition

• Sodium Chloride
• Potassium Chloride
• Sodium Citrate
• Anhydrous Dextrose

Uses Of ELECTRAL POWDER

• Replenishes water and essential electrolytes 

• Prevents dehydration caused by excessive vomiting, diarrhoea, heat or physical exercise

Benefits of ELECTRAL POWDER

Quickly Restores Electrolyte Balance:

After intense physical exertion or illness, Electral Powder speeds up recovery by replacing fluids and electrolytes quickly. This is particularly beneficial for individuals recovering from illness, athletes after exercise, or anyone experiencing mild dehydration 

Prevents Dehydration and Weakness:

Electral Powder is primarily designed to help rehydrate the body during dehydration caused by diarrhea, vomiting, or physical exertion. It contains an optimal combination of sodium, potassium, and glucose, which helps in quick fluid absorption to restore lost electrolytes and fluids, improving hydration levels significantly? 

Electrolyte Replenishment:

It restores essential electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, that are vital for maintaining proper muscle function, nerve transmission, and overall body fluid balance. This is particularly beneficial after physical activities, such as intense workouts or outdoor activities like hiking and trekking? 

Prevents Fatigue & Cramps: 

The sodium and potassium in Electral help prevent common issues associated with dehydration, such as muscle cramps, fatigue, and dizziness. This is especially helpful for athletes and individuals involved in endurance sports? 

Convenient & Easy to Use:

Electral Powder is portable and easy to prepare—simply mix the powder with water to create a hydration solution. This makes it a convenient choice for active individuals, travelers, trekkers, and those with limited access to water or hydration solutions? 

How ELECTRAL POWDER Works

Rehydration:

sodium in the powder helps to absorb water from the intestine into the bloodstream. This is particularly helpful when the body is dehydrated from excessive loss of fluids, such as from vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating. Sodium helps in water retention and prevents the loss of additional fluid. 

Restoring Electrolyte Balance:

Potassium and sodium are key electrolytes that regulate fluid balance, muscle function, and nerve transmission. When these electrolytes are lost through sweat or illness, Electral Powder helps restore them to prevent symptoms like muscle cramps, dizziness, and fatigue. The glucose component helps increase the absorption of sodium and water in the intestines, which maximizes the benefits of the solution? 

Improved Absorption: 

The glucose also acts as an energy source, providing quick hydration to the body while assisting in the efficient absorption of electrolytes into the bloodstream. This can help restore energy levels after prolonged physical exertion or illness? 

How to use ELECTRAL POWDER

Take Electral powder as directed by your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended daily dosage

What is the recommended dosage of Electral Powder for adults and children? 

For Adults: 

• Mild dehydration: Mix 1 sachet (4.4gm) of Electral with 200ml of clean water. Drink the solution in small sips throughout the day. 

For Children (over 2 years): 

• Mild dehydration: Mix 1 sachet with 100-200 ml of water. Give the child small sips every 5-10 minutes. Ensure they are drinking continuously. 
• Severe dehydration: For severe dehydration, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for the correct dosage. 

Infants (under 2 years): 

• It is recommended to consult pediatrician for specific dosage instructions. However, typically, for infants under 2 years, the general guideline is to mix sachet with 50-100 ml of water and administer small amounts every 15-20 minutes during dehydration events. 

How to prepare Electral Powder properly: 

Mix one sachet (4.4gm) of Electral in the specified amount of clean, boiled, and cooled water (usually 200ml for adults and 100 ml for children). Stir well until fully dissolved. 

Administering the Solution: 

For best results, drink the solution gradually over a few hours. Avoid consuming too much at once to prevent stomach discomfort. For children, small, frequent sips are recommended. 

What if I forgot to take ELECTRAL POWDER

• Do not double up on doses to make up for the missed dose. 

• Continue with the next dose as scheduled, if necessary. 

• If dehydration persists, continue to drink water or use an electrolyte solution as per the recommended dosage to stay hydrated. 

If dehydration worsens or continues after missing a dose, it’s important to seek medical guidance. 

Overdose

What happens if I take too much Electral Powder? 

Overdosing on Electral Powder is unlikely to be common since it is primarily used to treat dehydration, but consuming too much of the solution or mixing it incorrectly can cause side effects due to excessive electrolytes in the body. 

Signs of Overdosage: 

• Excessive intake of the solution may lead to electrolyte imbalances, especially high sodium levels. This can result in symptoms such as (edema, high blood pressure, confusion or dizziness, excessive thirst, muscle spasms or cramps and Vomiting or diarrhea) 

What to Do In Case Of An Overdose: 

• Consult a doctor immediately if you suspect overdosing, especially in severe cases with symptoms like vomiting, swelling, or dizziness. 

• Seek medical advice to restore the electrolyte balance, and avoid further intake of the solution until cleared by a healthcare professional. 

• Avoid self-medicating with higher-than-recommended doses. Stick to the prescribed quantities, and for children and infants, ensure appropriate dilution. 

Side Effects Of ELECTRAL POWDER

Electral Powder is generally safe and well-tolerated. It usually does not cause any side effects. However, it may cause vomiting in some individuals when the mixture is consumed all at once. To avoid this, you can take small sips of the mixture every 5-10 minutes.

Are there any long-term health risks of using Electral regularly? 

• If used excessively without medical supervision, there is a risk of an electrolyte imbalance, particularly hyponatremia (low sodium levels) or hyperkalemia (high potassium levels).  

• Overuse of oral rehydration solutions like Electral can strain the kidneys, particularly in individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions. Regular intake of high sodium and potassium levels can impair kidney function, causing the kidneys to work harder to filter these electrolytes from the blood?. 

• Over time, excessive sodium intake may contribute to high blood pressure (hypertension), especially in individuals who are sensitive to sodium or already have hypertension? 

• It can cause stomach discomfort, including bloating, gas, or diarrhea due to an imbalance in the sodium-to-water ratio? 

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Safe

While Electral Powder is generally considered safe, pregnant women should consult their doctor before using it regularly, as electrolyte imbalances can affect both mother and baby. 

Breastfeeding

Safe

While Electral Powder is generally considered safe, breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before using it regularly, as electrolyte imbalances can affect both mother and baby. 

Kidney

Use with Caution

Patients with renal (kidney) dysfunction should avoid Electral or use it only under strict medical supervision, as they may have difficulty excreting excess potassium or sodium, increasing the risk of electrolyte imbalance. 

Heart Disease

Use with Caution

Individuals with heart disease, especially those with conditions like hypertension or heart failure, should avoid excessive sodium intake. Electral Powder, which contains sodium, could exacerbate fluid retention and worsen blood pressure issues. 

Use In Pediatrics

Consult your doctor

Electral powder can be mixed in 500ml water and used in children aged 1-18 years. However, do not use more than recommended dosage without doctor’s advice.

Use In Geriatrics

Use with Caution

Electral powder can be used in elderly patients. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Drug - Drug interaction

Diuretics (Water Pills): 

Diuretics, commonly prescribed for high blood pressure or heart failure, can increase the loss of potassium from the body. If combined with Electral Powder, which contains potassium, it can cause hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood), especially if the diuretic used is potassium-sparing. Examples include spironolactone and amiloride

ACE Inhibitors: 

Medications like lisinopril or enalapril, used for managing hypertension, can also increase potassium levels in the blood. Combining these with Electral (which contains potassium) may raise the risk of hyperkalemia and heart rhythm abnormalities. 

Lithium: 

Lithium, a drug used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, can have its levels affected by electrolyte imbalances, including changes in sodium levels. This interaction can potentially lead to lithium toxicity, which can cause nausea, tremors, and confusion. 

Steroids (Corticosteroids): 

Steroid medications like prednisone can increase sodium retention and potassium loss, which may lead to fluid and electrolyte imbalances. If used with Electral, caution should be exercised to avoid excessive sodium intake. 

Certain Antifungal Medications: 

Some antifungal medications (e.g., Amphotericin B) can cause potassium depletion, and while Electral Powder replenishes potassium, the balance should be carefully monitored under medical guidance. 

Drug - Food interaction

While Electral Powder is typically safe to use with food, there are a few general considerations regarding food interactions: 

Dairy-Related Foods: 

For individuals using Electral Powder due to gastrointestinal illness or diarrhea, it's important to avoid heavy meals or dairy products, which may irritate the stomach. Electral is typically consumed with water and light, bland foods to ease recovery. 

Caffeine and Alcohol: 

Caffeine and alcohol can both lead to dehydration and may reduce the effectiveness of Electral Powder. These substances increase urination and fluid loss, which can counteract the rehydrating benefits of the product. 

More Information

Benefits of Electral Powder for Trekkers, Hikers, and Athletes: 

• Trekking and hiking involve long durations of physical exertion, often in hot and humid conditions, leading to significant fluid and electrolyte loss. Using Electral Powder during these activities helps prevent dehydration, which can lead to symptoms like fatigue, headache, dizziness, and muscle cramps. 

• Electral Powder is particularly beneficial for endurance athletes and individuals engaging in long-duration physical activities as it provides continuous hydration, boosts stamina, and helps avoid exhaustion. This is especially important in hot climates or at higher altitudes where dehydration can occur faster?. 

• For trekkers and hikers, carrying Electral as a portable hydration solution can be essential for ensuring proper hydration levels are maintained without carrying large amounts of water? 

Use of Electral Powder in Sports and Workouts for Replenishing Lost Electrolytes: 

• During high-intensity sports and workouts, athletes lose essential electrolytes (like sodium, potassium, and magnesium) through sweat. These electrolytes are crucial for muscle function, hydration, and maintaining nerve function. 

• Electral Powder, which contains a balanced mix of sodium, glucose, and potassium, is specifically designed to replace these lost electrolytes, preventing muscle cramps, fatigue, and maintaining peak performance?. 

• Post-workout: After a workout or intense exercise, Electral Powder helps in quicker recovery by promoting the absorption of fluids and electrolytes, which can otherwise take longer to replace through water alone? 

Overall Health Benefits for Active Lifestyles: 

• Regular use of Electral Powder can help individuals in active lifestyles manage fluid balance and electrolyte levels, which are crucial for optimal performance, recovery, and overall well-being. 

• It supports muscle recovery after strenuous activities and helps maintain a healthy fluid balance during intense or extended physical effort? 

Relevant Health Articles

How Is ORS Made? Benefits, Uses. Myths and Facts About Oral Rehydration Solution

FAQs About ELECTRAL POWDER

References

Electral. [Accessed on 2nd February 2025]  

Electral. [Accessed on 2nd February 2025]  

Electral. Oral Rehydration Salt. FDC Limited. [Prepared April 2018]. [Accessed on 6th February 2025].

Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Electrolytes Serum/ Electrolytes Profile
• Kidney Function Test with Electrolytes (KFT / RFT)

Where to Buy Electral Powder Online? 

Buy Electral Powder 21.80gm online at the best price in Netmeds.com. ORS formula replenishes electrolytes, prevents dehydration in diarrhea & vomiting. Fast delivery from Netmeds! 

Author Details

Written By Srilekha. R - B.Pharm

Last updated on 06 Feb 2025 | 03:47 PM(IST)