Pedialyte Dosage for a 10-Month-Old Infant
For a 10-month-old infant, Pedialyte should be administered at 60-120 mL for each diarrheal stool or vomiting episode, up to a maximum of 500 mL per day. 1
Dosage Guidelines Based on Dehydration Status
For Prevention/Maintenance of Hydration
- For infants weighing less than 10 kg (typical for a 10-month-old), provide 60-120 mL of Pedialyte for each diarrheal stool or vomiting episode 1
- Continue replacement as long as diarrhea or vomiting persists 1
- Maximum daily intake should not exceed approximately 500 mL per day 1
For Mild to Moderate Dehydration
- For mild dehydration (3-5% fluid deficit): administer 50 mL/kg of Pedialyte over 2-4 hours 2, 3
- For moderate dehydration (6-9% fluid deficit): administer 100 mL/kg of Pedialyte over 2-4 hours 2, 3
- After rehydration is complete, switch to the maintenance dosing described above 1
Administration Tips
- Start with small volumes (e.g., one teaspoon) using a teaspoon, syringe, or medicine dropper if the infant is vomiting 3
- Gradually increase the amount as tolerated 3
- Offer Pedialyte at room temperature 1
- Continue breastfeeding throughout the diarrheal episode if applicable 2, 4
- Resume age-appropriate formula and foods during or immediately after rehydration 2, 4
Monitoring Response
- Reassess hydration status after 2-4 hours of rehydration 2, 3
- Monitor for signs of improvement or deterioration in hydration status 4
- Watch for clinical signs including skin turgor, mucous membrane moisture, and mental status 3
Important Considerations
- Pedialyte (45 mEq/L sodium) is primarily intended for maintenance of hydration and prevention of dehydration 1
- While solutions with higher sodium concentrations (75-90 mEq/L) are preferable for rehydration, Pedialyte can be used when the alternative is physiologically inappropriate liquids or IV fluids 1
- Pedialyte has been shown to be effective for rehydration of infants with mild to moderate dehydration 5
- Caretakers have reported high satisfaction with oral rehydration solutions including Pedialyte 6
When to Seek Medical Attention
- If signs of severe dehydration develop (lethargy, decreased responsiveness, sunken eyes, decreased skin turgor) 1, 4
- If the infant is unable to keep down oral fluids 1
- If diarrhea persists beyond 24-48 hours despite oral rehydration therapy 4
- If there is blood in the stool or high fever 4
Remember that Pedialyte is preferable to other beverages like apple juice, Gatorade, or soft drinks, which should not be used for rehydration due to inappropriate electrolyte content 1.