Recommended Pedialyte Dosage for Dehydration
For adults with mild to moderate dehydration from diarrhea or vomiting, drink 2-4 liters of Pedialyte over 3-4 hours for initial rehydration, then continue with up to 2 liters per day to replace ongoing losses from each diarrheal stool or vomiting episode. 1
Initial Rehydration Phase
If you are an adolescent or adult (≥30 kg body weight) with mild to moderate dehydration:
- Consume 2-4 liters of Pedialyte over 3-4 hours to correct your fluid deficit 1
- This translates to approximately 500-1000 mL per hour during the rehydration phase 1
- Take small, frequent sips if you are experiencing vomiting—most of the fluid will be retained even if some vomiting occurs 2
Maintenance and Ongoing Loss Replacement
After initial rehydration is complete:
- Drink Pedialyte ad libitum (as desired), up to approximately 2 liters per day to replace ongoing losses 1
- Replace each diarrheal stool or vomiting episode with additional Pedialyte as needed 1
- Continue this replacement therapy as long as diarrhea or vomiting persists 1
Important Clinical Considerations
Pedialyte is an appropriate oral rehydration solution because it contains the proper electrolyte composition (approximately 45 mEq/L sodium) recommended for rehydration 1. The Infectious Diseases Society of America specifically lists Pedialyte as a suitable commercial ORS formulation 1.
Do NOT use the following beverages for rehydration:
- Apple juice 1, 3
- Gatorade or other sports drinks 1, 3, 4
- Commercial soft drinks 1, 3
- These have inappropriate electrolyte content and high osmolality that can worsen diarrhea 4
When to Seek Emergency Care
You need intravenous fluids instead of oral rehydration if you have:
- Severe dehydration (≥10% fluid deficit) with altered mental status 1
- Shock or near-shock state with poor perfusion 1
- Inability to tolerate any oral fluids despite small, frequent sips 1
- Persistent vomiting that prevents adequate oral intake 1
Administration Tips for Vomiting
If you are vomiting:
- Start with very small volumes (5 mL or one teaspoon) 1, 3
- Wait 10 minutes after vomiting, then resume with smaller sips at shorter intervals 2
- Gradually increase the amount as tolerated 1
- Vomiting typically diminishes or stops after the first 1-2 hours of oral rehydration therapy 2
Reassessment
After 3-4 hours of rehydration, assess whether you are adequately hydrated by checking:
- Improved urine output 1, 4
- Moist mucous membranes 1, 4
- Normal mental status 1
- Improved skin turgor 1, 4
If dehydration persists after the initial rehydration period, re-estimate your fluid deficit and continue oral rehydration therapy, or seek medical attention if symptoms worsen 1.