Dioralyte

What is Dioralyte?

Dioralyte is an over-the-counter treatment for diarrhoea. It is available in sachets of flavoured powder that you mix with water and drink. Dioralyte replenishes the salts and electrolytes that are lost during bouts of diarrhoea and vomiting.

Dioralyte sachets are available in 3 flavours from our online pharmacy: natural, citrus and blackcurrant.

We offer a fast and discreet delivery on all orders approved before 3pm on weekdays.

Our online prescribers are available to discuss treatments with you, and our team of pharmacists ensure that you receive high-quality products from our UK based pharmacy.

Diarrhoea can be caused by:

• Stomach bugs (e.g. gastroenteritis)
• Dietary intolerances (e.g. lactose intolerance or coeliacs disease)
• Food poisoning
• Underlying health conditions (e.g. irritable bowel syndrome)

While Dioralyte prevents dehydration while you have diarrhoea, it does not treat the underlying cause of your diarrhoea.

If you experience diarrhoea regularly, speak to your doctor for advice. They will be able to discuss the possible reason for your diarrhoea, and provide advice on how to prevent diarrhoea in the future.

Diarrhoea causes your body to lose more fluid through stools. If your body loses too much fluid, it can lead to dehydration.

Signs of dehydration include:

• Confusion
• Decreased urination or dark urine
• Dizziness
• Dry skin
• Extreme thirst
• Fast heart rate
• Irritable behaviour
• Pale skin colour
• Poor responsiveness

While treating diarrhoea, you must drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Avoid drinking alcohol or coffee if you have diarrhoea, as these can worsen diarrhoea or dehydration. Instead, drink water and fruit juice.

Seek advice from your doctor, or call NHS 111, if you have been experiencing diarrhoea for 7 days or longer.

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How does Dioralyte work?

Dioralyte contains rehydrating salts (sodium chloride, potassium chloride and disodium hydrogen citrate) and glucose.

This combination of electrolyte salts enhances the uptake of fluid by the intestines to rehydrate the body. The rehydration process reduces fluid in stool, making stools firmer and less watery.

The rehydration salts, also known as electrolytes, help the body to retain fluids more efficiently, keeping the body hydrated for longer.

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How do I use Dioralyte?

Dioralyte is available in dry powder sachets.

Follow your doctor's instructions for dosage when taking Dioralyte.

Use one sachet of power after each loose stool.

It can be taken in the following steps:

1. Open 1 sachet and empty the contents into an empty glass.
2. Add exactly 200ml (7 fl oz) of cold water to the glass and stir until the powder has dissolved. The solution should look milky.
3. Drink the solution within 1 hour of mixing.

Do not mix Dioralyte with anything other than water.

Do not use more or less than 200ml (7 fl oz). Using too little or too much water may affect how well the medicine works.

Drink the solution within 1 hour of mixing at room temperature. If kept refrigerated after mixing, drink the solution within 24 hours.

Discard any unused solution after one hour, if kept at room temperature, and after 24 hours, if stored in a refrigerator.

If you have trouble keeping food or drink down, you can take this medication in small sips.

Do not use more or less than 1 sachet for each dose.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Dioralyte?

If you forget to take a dose of Dioralyte, skip that dose and take the next one as needed. Do not double up doses to make up for a missed dose.

What should I do if I take too much Dioralyte?

Taking too much Dioralyte should not be harmful unless taken in large quantities. Go to the hospital if you experience any side effects from the overdose. Take any remaining medication and the packaging with you to give to the hospital staff, so they have the specific details necessary to provide treatment.

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Dioralyte side effects and cautions

Before taking Dioralyte, you must read the enclosed patient information leaflet.

You can read the patient information leaflet for Dioralyte sachets online.

If you have any concerns about the information in the patient information leaflet, speak to your doctor or ask a pharmacist for advice.

Who should not take Dioralyte?

Dioralyte sachets are not suitable for everyone. If you are unsure whether it is safe for you to take Dioralyte sachets, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist.

Do not take Dioralyte if you:

• are on a low potassium or sodium diet
• are unable to keep fluids down
• have diabetes
• have kidney disease
• have liver disease
• have or suspect a partial or full intestinal blockage
• have trouble digesting or tolerating some forms of sugar
• stop making urine, produce very little urine or have dark urine

Allergies

Do not take Dioralyte if you are allergic to the following ingredients:

• Disodium hydrogen citrate
• Glucose
• Potassium chloride
• Saccharin sodium
• Sodium chloride
• Silicone dioxide

The flavoured versions of Dioralyte will also contain:

• Citrus - Lemon and lime flavour
• Blackcurrant - Blackcurrant flavour

Signs of an allergic reaction may include:

• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, or extremities (hands and feet)
• Skin rash (Hives)
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Dioralyte sachets contain glucose. Speak to your doctor before taking Dioralyte if you are hypersensitive to some sugars.

Side effects of Dioralyte

Dioralyte is well tolerated and does not typically cause side effects. Tell your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Fever
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Swelling of the abdomen

This is not an exhaustive list of potential side effects. A full list of side effects associated with Dioralyte can be found within the patient information leaflet.

Dioralyte interactions

Dioralyte may affect how other medications work, or certain medications may interfere with how Dioralyte works.

Inform our medical team of all medicines you are currently taking, including those prescribed by your doctor, or bought over the counter, as well as health and herbal supplements.

If the diarrhoea lasts longer than 36 hours, see your doctor to determine the cause.

Other safety information

Always read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine before you start taking Dioralyte.

Do not take Dioralyte sachets past the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Check the expiration date on both the Dioralyte carton and the individual sachet before taking them. The date is printed as a month after EXP. The product expires on the last day of that month.

Each Dioralyte sachet contains 300mg of sodium. This is equivalent to 15% of your recommended daily intake of salt. Speak to your doctor before taking Dioralyte if you have been put on a salt restricted diet.

Do not throw away medicines via household or water waste. Take any unwanted or expired medication to your local pharmacy for proper disposal. These measures can help to protect the environment.

Always store medicines out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

Never share your medicine with anyone else, even if they exhibit the same symptoms as you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when to stop taking Dioralyte?

Stop taking Dioralyte if you exhibit any side effects or if your condition worsens after taking the medication.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Dioralyte?

You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Dioralyte.

Alcohol can increase your risk of becoming dehydrated and potentially interfere with the rehydrating effect of Dioralyte.

Can I drive or operate machinery after taking Dioralyte?

Dioralyte should not impact your ability to drive or operate machinery. However, it is important to know how the medicine affects you before engaging in tasks which require concentration, such as driving or operating machinery.

Can I take Dioralyte while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist before using Dioralyte if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying for a baby.

How should I store unused Dioralyte sachets?

Store unused Dioralyte sachets in a cool, dry location with a temperature under 25°C.

Can I take Dioralyte with other diarrhoeal treatments?

Dioralyte can be taken with other diarrhoeal treatments which contain loperamide, such as Imodium and Norimode.

For more information about taking Dioralyte with other medicines, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

How many Dioralyte sachets can I take a day?

You can take up to 5 Dioralyte sachets a day, for up to 4 days.

If you feel you need to take Dioralyte for longer, speak to your doctor first.

Where can I buy Dioralyte?

Dioralyte is available to order from Prescription Doctor's UK pharmacy. We offer a fast and discreet next-day delivery on all orders approved before 3pm on weekdays. If you have any questions about Dioralyte, you can discuss them with one of our online prescribers using the "my chats" section of your Prescription Doctor account.

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