This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.
Brand Names: US
Ceralyte 50 (potassium free) [OTC]; Ceralyte 50 [OTC]; Ceralyte 70 [OTC]; Ceralyte 90 [OTC]; CeraSport EX1 [OTC]; CeraSport [OTC]; DripDrop [OTC]; Electro Mix [OTC]; Enfamil Enfalyte [OTC]; Medi-Lyte [OTC]; Normalyte [OTC]; Oralyte [OTC]; Pedialyte Advanced Care Plus [OTC]; Pedialyte Advanced Care [OTC]; Pedialyte [OTC]
What is this drug used for?
- It is used to add back fluid after fluid loss.
- It is used to help prevent fluid and electrolyte problems.
What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?
- If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
This drug may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?
- Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- If your child has a fever, throwing up, or diarrhea that lasts longer than 24 hours, talk with your child’s doctor.
- If your child has phenylketonuria (PKU), talk with your child’s doctor. Some products have phenylalanine.
- Different forms of this drug may be for use in different ages of children. Talk with the doctor before giving this drug to a child.
If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:
- Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.
What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of fluid and electrolyte problems like mood changes, confusion, muscle pain or weakness, fast or abnormal heartbeat, severe dizziness or passing out, increased thirst, seizures, feeling very tired or weak, decreased appetite, unable to pass urine or change in the amount of urine produced, dry mouth, dry eyes, or severe upset stomach or throwing up.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if your child has any side effects that bother your child or do not go away.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.
How is this drug best given?
Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
Freeze pops:
- Can be eaten without freezing. Tastes best when frozen.
- Use clean scissors to cut off top of plastic sleeve.
- Push up from bottom of sleeve.
Oral solution:
- Do not add water or other liquid to water down.
- Chill the solution to make it taste better.
Jell cups:
- Do not add water or other liquid to water down.
Powder packet:
- Mix in water as you have been told or read the product label. Different products may need to be mixed in different amounts of water.
- Do not mix with other liquids.
- Chill the solution to make it taste better.
Tablets:
- Give this drug with a full glass of water.
- Do not use if the pouch that holds this drug is torn, open, or not sealed all the way.
What do I do if my child misses a dose?
- This drug is given on an as needed basis. Do not give to your child more often than told by the doctor.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
All products:
- Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Protect from heat.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Freeze pops:
- Throw away any unused portion.
Oral solution:
- If single use product, throw away any unused part after first use.
- Store opened bottle in refrigerator.
- After opening, do not use for longer than what the product label says.
Jell cups:
- After opening, you may refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Powder packet:
- After mixing, store in a refrigerator. Check with the doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how long this drug may be used after mixing.
General drug facts
- If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
- Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
Last Reviewed Date
2021-11-01
Copyright
© 2024 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.