Pedialyte is an oral electrolyte solution that is specifically designed to replace fluids and minerals (electrolytes) that are lost when a child has diarrhea with or without vomiting. Pedialyte is effective because it contains only small amounts of sugars (dextrose and fructose) that are balanced with appropriate levels of electrolytes.  Pedialyte is designed with this precise combination of sugars and electrolytes to promote quick fluid and electrolyte absorption. In general, other household beverages such as sports drinks, sweetened sodas and juices are too high in carbohydrates (sugar) and too low in sodium -- an important electrolyte that is lost during diarrhea and vomiting.

Pedialyte contains the quantity and ratio of sugars (dextrose and fructose) and minerals (electrolytes) recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. This precise balance of sugar and electrolytes makes Pedialyte effective in the management and treatment of diarrhea with or without vomiting.

Without added sweeteners, Pedialyte is not sweet enough for many children to drink. Adding sugar (sucrose) to Pedialyte may make diarrhea worse by drawing water into the intestine, increasing the risk of dehydration. Adding sweeteners like ace K (acesulfame potassium) and sucralose makes Pedialyte taste good without the risks of adding sugar (sucrose). When Pedialyte tastes good, children drink enough of it to maintain hydration and replace needed minerals when they are sick.

Pedialyte contains appropriate and balanced amounts of sugars and electrolytes in a particular quantity of fluid. This formulation is important for maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in children who have abnormal losses, such as can happen with diarrhea. If other fluids are added, the quantities and ratios of electrolytes and sugars per volume may be altered, making the product less effective. Additionally, the osmolality of the product may be increased by adding other sweetened fluids - which could worsen the diarrhea. Thus, no other fluids should be mixed with Pedialyte unless recommended by a healthcare professional.

If the taste of unflavored Pedialyte is a concern, Pedialyte is available in a variety of flavors - Bubble Gum, Grape, Cherry, Apple, and Fruit flavors, and Pedialyte Freezer Pops come in Grape, Cherry, Orange, and Blue Raspberry.

Yes, all of the Pedialyte products (including Pedialyte liquid products and Pedialyte Freezer Pops) are considered to be clear liquids and would be appropriate on a clear liquid diet.

Pedialyte is relatively low in Calories and carbohydrates compared to complete nutritional beverages because the purpose of using Pedialyte is to maintain fluid and electrolyte status while a child is sick. The ingredients in Pedialyte were carefully chosen. Pedialyte contains a balance of sugars, fluid, and electrolytes recommended by experts. Products that are higher in Calories, glucose, or other sugars (for example, juices and sweetened sodas) are not recommended because their higher sugar content can worsen diarrhea. When the child's hydration status is stable (generally within a day or so of onset of diarrhea), the diet can be liberalized as recommended by the child's health care professional.

Pedialyte is not nutritionally complete and is therefore not recommended as the sole source of nutrition for more than a few days without the recommendation of a physician.

This recommendation is intended to assure the proper evaluation and treatment plan for infants who take Pedialyte. A baby is at much greater risk of dehydration than an older child is, and it is important to encourage parents to discuss their baby's condition with a physician before beginning treatment on their own.

Pedialyte Singles are filled in a Mondo bottle in order to be attractive to children (who are generally familiar with drinking juice from Mondo bottles.) Part of the experience is drinking directly from the Mondo bottle. Once the mouth touches the bottle opening, potential bacterial contamination occurs. Thus, any Pedialyte remaining in the bottle should be discarded.

However, if some of the Pedialyte is removed and put into a separate clean container with a lid BEFORE the child starts to drink from the bottle, the portion removed can be refrigerated and used within 48 hours.

For a reclosable option, Pedialyte one liter bottles are available in a variety of flavors. The label states:"To Open: Remove protective band and twist off cap. Remove and throw away protective foil seal." After using, the Storage directions state: "After opening, replace cap, refrigerate and use within 48 hours."