Advantages of Gel Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) for the Management of Acute Diarrhea: An Update

Abstract

Currently, in the management of acute diarrhea, underuse of oral rehydration solutions (ORS), is still reported, being a strong rationale for their improvement to increase patient's acceptability and, in consequence, treatment compliance and therapeutic success, for example, in terms of palatability, and swallowability. In this article, we reviewed the advantages of new ORS gel formulations, with solid or semi-solid texture, that could help to overcome the inconveniences of conventional ORS. The main difficulty, the salty taste, can be masked using flavors, reconstituting and administering the gel product at low temperatures or using pleasant textures that resembles desserts or sweets. Another important critical point in the oral rehydration is the relatively large volumes administered, usually rejected by children. In gel formulations the volume is significantly reduced to around 100ml, and can be administered at small portions, thus avoiding its refusal and facilitating the role of parents or caregivers in administering it. Recent studies have shown these benefits, together with the demonstration of the electrolytes release at gastric level. However, more clinical trials are needed to compare gel formulations versus standard ORS.