What Can I Substitute For Pedialyte
To make a Pedialyte alternative, you will need salt which is an electrolyte that is lost in dehydration and sweating. Optionally, you can add potassium and magnesium. Use Koolaid, apple juice or any kind of juice and additional sweetener if needed. For stomach sickness, Koolaid may be more gentle than juice.
How Can You Take It
This product is sold in a powdered form, a liquid form, or even in icy pole form.
- Freezer pops it is designed for toddlers and older children. Stored in the freezer, this Pedialyte solution is useful during the summer to combat dehydration. It may temporarily discolor the mouth after eating.
- Powdered form mix the powder with water as directed and stir until dissolved.
- Liquid form this product should not be diluted or mixed with water. Just shake the bottle before each dose. The liquid form comes in fruit-flavored and unflavored varieties.
When you take it, follow all directions from the packaging or your healthcare providers advice . If you are not sure about any of the information, consult your healthcare professional prior to use.
Does Pedialyte Have Sugar
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How To Store Pedialyte Correctly
Unopened bottles of Pedialyte and powder packages be kept in the cabinet or pantry until the expiration date on the packaging. If the bottle has been opened or the powder has been mixed with water, you have to put it in the fridge right away if no one is drinking it.
Opened bottles of Pedialyte and powders that have been mixed with water are good for 48 hours in the refrigerator. They must be disposed of after the 2-day time limit. If they have been left out at room temperature, throw them away.
Bacterial growth is quick because Pedialyte doesnt contain preservatives.
Using Pedialyte, powder packs, and Pedialyte freezer pops by the expiration date will ensure you will have the best quality.
How Does Pedialyte Go Bad

We are covered in bacteria that you cannot see, smell, or taste. When the bacteria get into your bottle of Pedialyte, they will begin to multiply. When we have direct contact with the opened bottle, bacteria from our hands can get into the drink.
The amount of bacteria at first is small, but they grow quickly.
Refrigerator temperatures will slow that bacterial growth, but it wont stop. By the 48-hour limit, the bacteria will be so numerous that they can make you or your child ill.
Ironically, a product that can cure dehydration can cause stomach issues and diarrhea if its not stored correctly or consumed after the 48-hour time limit.
Pedialyte doesnt contain preservatives, so be sure to get rid of it after the 2-day deadline or consume it all and throw it away if you cant put it in the fridge. Bacterial infection proposes a risk of a second infection and can jeopardize your childs immune system.
Remember this, bacteria love sugars, and they will love your water bottle full of Pedialyte and warm water.
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How You Can Reduce The Risk Of Dehydration
Drink fluids when you feel any dehydration symptoms. Keep taking small sips and gradually drink more if you can.
You can use a spoon to make it easier for your child to swallow the fluids.
You should drink enough during the day so that your pee is a pale clear color.
Drink when there is a higher risk of dehydrating. For example, if youre vomiting, sweating or you have diarrhoea.
Carers: making sure someone drinks enough
Sometimes people you care for dont have a sense of how much theyre drinking.
To help them:
- make sure they drink during meal times
- make drinking a social thing like having a cup of tea
- offer them food with a high water content for example, soups, ice cream, jellies or fruits like melon
Children need to stay hydrated
Two thirds of our bodies are made up of water. Being dehydrated can cause poor sports performance, tiredness, headaches and crankiness and it can lead to serious medical problems.
Signs your child could be dehydrated include:
- dizziness or light-headedness
- dark yellow or brown urine
- dry lips, tongue, mouth or throat.
How To Drink Pedialyte As Oral Solution
If your doctor has prescribed you to take Pedialyte as an oral solution, you should know about the dosage. But if you want to drink without any prescription to rehydrate your body, see if its possible to consult with a pharmacist, but its not necessary.
Some Pedialyte liquid needs to be mixed before consumption some dont need that. Be sure to shake the bottle before you take the dose.
Pedialytes are found in two forms powder and liquid. Powder packets have instructions about how you need to prepare the drink. Usually, each small packet requires 8 fluid ounces of cold water to mix. Stir properly until the powder is completely dissolved. The drink tastes much better when its chilled.
Dont heat the drink, unless the package instructs to do so. How much you need to drink depends on your medical condition and the suggestion of the doctor. For an intensive workout, working outside on a hot sunny day, etc. conditions, you can take 8 ounces of Pedialyte without any issue.
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Does Pedialyte Go Bad
The shelf life of unopened Pedialyte may go bad if it moves past the expiration date, but we dont recommend using it after that date suggested by the manufacturer.
Opened and mixed Pedialyte will go bad if you leave it out too long, Pedialyte will go bad faster at room temperature than in the fridge. But, even when refrigerated, Pedialyte will spoil in 48 hours because the sterile packaging is jeopardized the moment it is opened.
For Toddlers And Older Children
For toddlers and older children, oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte are the best treatment. Try to avoid giving your child water alone, as it may further deplete their electrolytes.
If your child is having difficulty keeping liquids down, try giving them smaller amounts of Pedialyte using a spoon or by squirting a little into their mouth with a syringe.
Older children can have juice or sports drinks if you dont have an oral rehydration solution on hand.
Be sure to dilute the juice or sports drinks with an equal quantity of water first, as too much sugar can worsen dehydration.
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So What Actually Is Pedialyte
Pedialyte is an electrolyte drink that replaces vital minerals and nutrients. During diarrhea, vomiting, and excessive sweating a person loses a considerable amount of minerals and nutrients from his body, which is addressed as electrolytes. It causes dehydration in the body.
Drinking plain water isnt enough to replace everything to be able to return to the previous state. Electrolytes include sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, sugar, and other trace minerals. Plain water doesnt have all these essential elements.
Pedialyte contains all these vital elements, and when a dehydrated person drinks it, it replenishes the lost fluids as well as electrolytes in the body and fully rehydrates the person.
Does Pedialyte Have Potassium
Pedialytepotassium
But just like anything,too many electrolytes can be unhealthy: Too much sodium, hypernatremia, can cause dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhea. Too much potassium, hyperkalemia, can impact your kidney function and cause heart arrhythmia, nausea, and an irregular pulse.
Also, is Pedialyte better than Gatorade? Gatorade: Gatorade is a sports drink meant to combat dehydration better than water. It supposedly does this better than regular old water by packing in potassium and sodium, which are both electrolytes. Pedialyte has lots of sodium and potassium, but less calories and less sugar than Gatorade.
Herein, is it OK to drink Pedialyte everyday?
Halpern says. But just because Pedialyte is great for hangovers, that doesn’t mean you should drink it all the time. “It is not designed for everyday use or hydration needs where water is adequate so it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor first to see if daily use is recommended,” Williams says.
How many electrolytes does Pedialyte have?
* Each Pedialyte product has at least 1030mg sodium and no more than 25g sugar per liter leading sports drinks have ~460 sodium and ~58g sugar per liter. Mild to moderate dehydration. 60 mEq sodium electrolytes per liter vs 45 mEq in original Pedialyte.
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How Long Can Pedialyte Stay Out
When its opened or mixed with water, Pedialyte should be refrigerated. If you arent drinking it, get it in the fridge because bacteria can grow fast, and the cooler temperatures slow it down. Once mixed or opened, Pedialyte is only suitable for 48 hours and shouldnt be left out at room temperature.
If you or your child arent drinking it, put it in the fridge.
Tropical Fruit Ready To Use

- Pedialyte AdvancedCare Tropical Fruit / 33.8 fl oz Bottle / 4 ct
Water, Dextrose, Galactooligosaccharides. Less than 0.5% of: Citric Acid, Potassium Citrate, Salt, Natural & Artificial Flavors, Sodium Citrate, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Zinc Gluconate, Yellow 6, and Sodium Selenate.
Contains milk ingredients.
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Pedialyte Ingredients Vs Other Leading Sports Drinks
Electrolytes are minerals that are essential to the body. When your body has an electrolyte imbalance, it doesnt absorb fluids like it should. Unlike leading sports drinks, our optimal balance of sugar and sodium is designed to help replenish fluids and increase electrolyte levels more effectively. Plus, it has zinc to support the immune system.
With 2x the electrolyte sodium as leading sports drinks, Pedialyte replenishes fluids more effectively¹
With 2x the sugar as Pedialyte,¹ leading sports drinks can make symptoms worse²
How Long Can Pediallyte Sit At Room Temperature
Pedialyte bottles that havent been opened or the powder packets can be kept out at room temperature until the date on the packaging. Abbott Labs, the producer of this remedy for dehydration, puts a date on every container, so the consumer is aware of the best-buy date.
If youve already mixed your Pedialyte or opened a bottle, then you should drink it, give it to your child, or put it in the refrigerator. Pedialyte will begin to develop bacteria as soon as it comes in contact with the air and magnifies fast, which is why you can only use it in the next 48-hours. If it goes over that time, you should throw it away.
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Is Pedialyte Good For Hangovers
Yes. While some adults stick to sports drinks, Pedialyte is a better alternative because it doesnt contain at much sugar as Gatorade. Alcohol will dehydrate the body, and the electrolytes in this product will help you recover.
We dont recommend drinking too much alcohol, which is what causes a hangover. But if you feel off after a night out, try a Pedialyte and see how much better you feel.
Can Pedialyte Help With Dehydration In Both Adults And Children
Pedialyte contains electrolytes as well as a small amount of sugar .
Electrolytes are mineral nutrients such as sodium, potassium, and chloride that help to control fluid levels in your body. These nutrients also help maintain your blood pressure, allow your nerves to send and receive electrical signals, and regulate pH levels.
The precise combination of electrolytes and sugars in Pedialyte helps to restore fluid levels and the nutrients that are lost through sweating, urinating, or vomiting and diarrhea.
Its more effective than water which does not contain electrolytes at treating mild to moderate dehydration.
Pedialyte is also more effective at restoring your fluid levels than beverages such as sodas, juices, or sports drinks. These drinks are often too high in sugar and too low in sodium , an electrolyte thats usually lost during diarrhea and vomiting.
All Pedialyte products can be used by children or adults. There are, though, some product flavors and formats such as Pedialyte freeze pops designed specifically to appeal to children.
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How To Make Oral Rehydration Solution At Home
To prevent too much liquid being lost from the childs body, an effective oral rehydration solution can be made using ingredients found in almost every household. One of these drinks should be given to the child every time a watery stool is passed.
Heres how you can make your own One Liter Oral Rehydration Solution using Salt, Sugar and Water at Home
Mix an oral rehydration solution using one of the following recipes:
Ingredients:
- Half level teaspoon of Salt
- Six level teaspoons of Sugar
- One Litre of clean drinking or boiled water and then cooled
Make 5 cupfuls
Preparation Method:
- Stir the mixture till the salt and sugar dissolve.
The following traditional remedies make highly effective oral rehydration solutions and are suitable drinks to prevent a child from losing too much liquid during diarrhoea:
- Breastmilk
- Gruels
- Carrot Soup
- Rice water Congee
A very suitable and effective simple solution for rehydrating a child can also be made by using salt and sugar, if these ingredients are available.
If possible, add 1/2 cup orange juice or some mashed banana to improve the taste and provide some potassium.
Molasses and other forms of raw sugar can be used instead of white sugar, and these contain more potassium than white sugar.
If none of these drinks is available, other alternatives are:
- Fresh fruit juice
- Weak tea
- Green coconut water
If nothing else is available, give water from the cleanest possible source .
How To Use Pedialyte
Pedialyte is meant to be taken by mouth, according to the instructions on the product package. Shake the bottle well before drinking the Pedialyte solution.
Unless recommended by a healthcare professional, liquid forms of Pedialyte should not be mixed with other fluids such as water, juices, milk, or formula. Doing so will alter the ratio of electrolytes and sugars. This can make Pedialyte less effective.
Some brands of Pedialyte come in a powdered form. This type of product will need to be mixed with 8 ounces of water before being consumed.
If you dont like the taste, there are several flavors that may be easier to drink, such as strawberry, grape, or bubble gum.
How much to take
- If you or your child has lost a lot of fluid because of diarrhea or vomiting, you may need 48 servings of Pedialyte a day to prevent dehydration.
- Talk with your doctor if vomiting, diarrhea, or fever lasts for more than 24 hours.
Signs of mild to moderate dehydration in adults include:
- thirst
- racing heartbeat
- fast breath
If your toddler or child is showing any of the signs listed above, seek emergency medical attention right away.
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How Long Can Pedialyte Sit Out
October 27, 2021 | Keren Tayler
Dehydration is serious, which is why there are products on the shelves to solve this problem. There are several reasons why a person might become dehydrated, but its essential to resolve this, and Pedialyte is one of those drinks that can solve those dehydration problems. But, how long can Pedialyte sit out?
Pedialyte comes in liquid and powder form. Each option comes stamped with the best use by date put there by the manufacturer. Once you mix the powdered option with water or open a bottle of the liquid Pedialyte, it must be refrigerated if you arent drinking it.
When Pedialyte is kept at room temperature, it can be easily contaminated with bacteria from something as small as touch contamination. Refrigeration slows down the growth of these bacteria, but they can still grow to a dangerous level even when refrigerated.
Once you mixed or opened your Pedialyte, its only good for 48 hours not matter if its kept refrigerated or kept at room temperature. After that, it must be disposed of.
Refrigeration will slow down the degeneration time of your Pedialyte, so its best to get it into the refrigerator as soon as you can.
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How To Tell When Pedialyte Has Gone Bad

Pedialyte may not have visible signs of bacterial infestation, nor may you be able to tell thats its gone bad by taste or smell. This is why there are set time limits to how long you can keep Pedialyte on the shelf of your pantry or in the refrigerator.
If the Pedialyte is open or mixed and in the fridge, dispose of it after 48-hours. If you forgot the open or mixed Pedialyte on the counter and its been sitting out at room temperature for some time, throw it away.
Unopened bottles of Pedialyte and packets of powder should be disposed of after the expiration date on the packaging. When you use this product by the date suggested by the manufacturer, you ensure the highest quality in your drink or freezer pop.
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Of Giving Oral Fluids
It is important to give small amounts of fluid frequently, for example 0.5mL per kg body weight every five minutes 12). The fluid can be measured in a syringe and given to the child either by syringe, teaspoon or cup. The child is far more likely to tolerate these small amounts of fluid than if he/she drinks a large amount at once. Obviously if the child tolerates this fluid the parent can gradually increase the volume and decrease the frequency of the fluid offered.
Example of how much fluid to give to your child by age and body weight :
- For infants less than 6 months old See your doctor.
- For 6-23 months give 40 to 60 mL each hour.
- For 2-5 years give 60 to 100 mL each hour.
- For 6-10 years give 100 to 120 mL each hour.
- For 11-16 years give 120 to 160 mL each hour.
- For a 6 kg infant offer: 30mL every hour or 60mL every 2 hours.
- For a 12 kg toddler offer 60mL every hour or 120mL every 2 hours.
IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR CHILDS PROGRESS, CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR OR LOCAL HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY!
Consult your doctor or local hospital, as soon as possible, if you have any concerns about your childs progress especially if:
Medicines to stop vomiting are occasionally used for children with persistent vomiting and dehydration. Medicines to stop diarrhea are not recommended and are usually not helpful as they can cause other problems in children.