WHO Oral Rehydration Solution Preparation

Standard WHO-ORS Formula

The World Health Organization recommends mixing one packet containing 3.5g sodium chloride, 2.9g trisodium citrate, 1.5g potassium chloride, and 20g glucose in exactly 1 liter of clean drinking water to create a solution with specific concentrations, including bicarbonate (as citrate): 30 mEq/L, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines 1, 2

The exact volume of water is crucial—always use 1 liter of clean water per packet, as emphasized by the World Health Organization 1

Never mix with inappropriate volumes of water, as this creates solutions that are either too diluted or too concentrated, potentially dangerous, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2, 3
Provide detailed written and oral instructions when packets are dispensed for home mixing, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 3
The bicarbonate component has been replaced with citrate in modern formulations because citrate has a longer shelf life and is equally efficacious, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2, 3

Premixed commercial solutions eliminate mixing errors but cost more, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2, 3
Packets are preferred in resource-limited settings due to low cost, long shelf life, and ease of transport, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 3
Always use clean drinking water for reconstitution, as recommended by the World Health Organization 1
Once mixed, the solution should be used within 24 hours if kept at room temperature, as advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 3