Yes, Drink Pedialyte for Diarrhea
Yes, even two episodes of diarrhea cause electrolyte loss, and you should drink an oral rehydration solution like Pedialyte to replace these losses. Diarrhea causes loss of water, sodium, and potassium with each stool, and replacement is essential regardless of the number of episodes 1.
Why Electrolyte Replacement Matters
Each diarrheal episode results in measurable losses of:
- Sodium (essential for fluid balance and nerve function)
- Potassium (critical for heart rhythm and muscle function)
- Water (leading to dehydration)
Research confirms that electrolyte disturbances occur in approximately 80% of patients with diarrhea, with hyponatremia (low sodium) affecting 56% and hypokalemia (low potassium) affecting 46% of cases 2. These imbalances are associated with increased mortality when left untreated.
The Specific Recommendation
For adults with diarrhea, drink oral rehydration solution (ORS) ad libitum, up to approximately 2 liters per day, replacing ongoing losses until diarrhea resolves 1.
Pedialyte Is Appropriate
The 2017 Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines specifically list Pedialyte as an acceptable commercial ORS formulation for all age groups and causes of diarrhea 1. It contains the proper balance of electrolytes and glucose to enhance intestinal absorption through coupled sodium-glucose transport, which remains intact even during diarrheal illness.
What NOT to Drink
Avoid these common beverages for rehydration 1:
- Apple juice
- Gatorade (contains inadequate sodium and excess potassium for diarrhea; associated with persistent hypokalemia) 3
- Commercial soft drinks
- Chicken broth
These beverages lack the optimal electrolyte composition and osmolarity for treating diarrheal dehydration.
When to Escalate Care
Seek medical attention if you develop:
- Severe dehydration signs: altered mental status, inability to drink, decreased urine output, rapid pulse
- Persistent symptoms beyond 48-72 hours
- Inability to tolerate oral fluids (may require IV rehydration)
The Science Behind ORS
Oral rehydration therapy has been credited with saving millions of lives and is recommended by the WHO as first-line treatment for dehydration from diarrhea 1. The coupled transport of sodium and glucose across the intestinal brush border remains functional during diarrhea, enabling enhanced water absorption when both are present together in the proper ratio.
Bottom line: Start drinking Pedialyte now with your diarrhea episodes. Don't wait for more severe dehydration to develop.