Electrolyte Replacement Solutions Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 9, 2023.

Applies to electrolyte replacement solutions: oral packet, oral powder for solution, oral powder for suspension, oral solution, oral tablet.

Eat soft foods, if possible, such as rice cereal, bananas, cooked peas or beans, and potatoes to keep up nutrition until the diarrhea stops and regular food and milk can be taken again. Breast-fed infants should be given breast milk between doses of the solution.

If your diarrhea does not improve in 1 or 2 days, or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.

Also, Check with your doctor immediately if your baby or child appears to have severe thirst, doughy skin, sunken eyes, dizziness or lightheadedness, tiredness or weakness, irritability, difficult urination, loss of weight, or convulsions (seizures). These signs may mean that too much water has been lost from the body.

For patients (except nursing babies) using the powder form of this medicine:

• Drink plain water whenever thirsty between doses of solution.

For patients taking the premixed liquid form of this medicine:

• Do not drink fruit juices or eat foods containing added salt until the diarrhea has stopped.

Other side effects

Some side effects of electrolyte replacement solutions may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, electrolyte replacement solutions may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking electrolyte replacement solutions:

Symptoms of too much sodium (salt) in the body

• Convulsions (seizures)
• dizziness
• fast heartbeat
• high blood pressure
• irritability
• muscle twitching
• restlessness
• swelling of feet or lower legs
• weakness

Symptoms of too much fluid in the body

• Puffy eyelids

See also:

Further information

Electrolyte replacement solutions side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer