What is Pedialyte: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Pedialyte is a brand-name line of carbohydrate and electrolyte drinks primarily used to restore lost fluids or maintain general hydration. Pedialyte can be purchased as a drink, drink mix, or freezer pops. The electrolytes in Pedialyte drinks can vary between products, but the classic Pedialyte products contain water, sodium, potassium, zinc, and chloride. Other products may contain magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, or vitamins.

Pedialyte overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Pedialyte, Pedialyte Classic, Pedialyte Electrolyte, Pedialyte Advanced Care, Pedialyte Sport, Pedialyte Fast Hydration, Pedialyte with Immune Support, Pedialyte Organic, Pedialyte Freezer Pops

Generic Names:

  • Electrolytes

Uses:

  • Replaces water, salts, and minerals lost through vomiting, diarrhea, heat, exercise, activity, or other reasons

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Carbohydrate electrolyte combination

Forms:

  • Liquid, powder, drink mix, freezer pops

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Pedialyte used for?

Pedialyte is a family of products that provide water, electrolytes, and carbohydrates. People use them to replenish fluids and electrolytes in the body.

What form(s) does Pedialyte come in

  • Liquid

    • 1 liter (33.8 fl. oz.)

    • ½ liter (16.9 fl. oz.)

    • 360 mL (12 fl. oz.)

  • Powder

    • 3.5 g packet (16 fl. oz. when reconstituted)

    • 9 g packet (8 fl. oz. when reconstituted)

    • 14.1 g packet (16 fl. oz. when reconstituted)

    • 17 g packet (16 fl. oz. when reconstituted)

  • Freezer pops

    • 125 mL (2 freezer pops)

What are common Pedialyte doses?

  • For vomiting and diarrhea: Use as needed or as instructed by a healthcare provider, usually 1–2 liters daily as long as symptoms last

  • For other needs: Use as needed

Common Pedialyte prescriptions

  • Pedialyte
    1000ml of bottle

  • Pedialyte
    6 packet box

How to take Pedialyte

  • If you are using Pedialyte without a prescription, follow the instructions on the label.

  • If a healthcare provider has advised or prescribed Pedialyte, follow any instructions the healthcare provider gives you. 

  • Talk to a healthcare provider before giving Pedialyte to a child younger than one year of age.

  • How to use Pedialyte drinks:

    • Do not add water or dilute the drink in any way.

    • Pedialyte tastes best when cold.

    • If using Pedialyte because of fluid loss, start with small, frequent sips.

    • If you are using Pedialyte for general hydration, sip as needed.

    • Store any unused drink in the refrigerator in a closed bottle for up to 48 hours.

    • Unopened Pedialyte drinks can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They should be kept away from excessive heat.

  • How to use Pedialyte drink mixes:

    • Pedialyte drink mixes or powders come in individual serving packets.

    • Do not open the packets until ready to reconstitute the powder into a drink.

    • Follow the instructions when reconstituting the drink mix. Most require 16 fluid ounces of water.

    • Only use water to reconstitute Pedialyte. Do not use juice or formula.

    • Stir or shake the mixture to dissolve the drink mix.

    • Store any unused reconstituted product in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.

  • How to use Pedialyte freezer pops:

    • Freezer Pops taste better when frozen but can be consumed frozen, cold, or at room temperature.

    • Do not separate the pops when they’re put in the freezer.

    • Once frozen, you can tear or cut the pops apart.

    • To consume frozen pops, cut open one end of the sleeve with a clean pair of scissors.

    • Push the pop out from the bottom.

What to do if you miss a dose of Pedialyte

  • If a dose is forgotten, take it when remembered. 

  • For fluid loss, always start with small, frequent sips, even if you’re taking a missed dose.

Pedialyte contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to potassium citrate, sodium chloride (salt), sodium citrate, or any other ingredients in the product.

Pedialyte warnings

  • The manufacturer advises that Pedialyte only be used under medical supervision.

  • Before using Pedialyte, talk to a healthcare provider if you or your child:

    • Have high blood pressure, kidney disease, or difficulty urinating

    • Are on a salt-restricted diet

  • If diarrhea or vomiting continues for longer than 24 hours or gets worse, or if you or your child has sunken eyes, extreme thirst, or severe drowsiness, call your healthcare provider right away.

  • Once Pedialyte is opened or reconstituted, it’s only good for 48 hours if stored in a refrigerator. Using it beyond that time increases the risk of a stomach or intestinal infection.

Pedialyte interactions

  • Pedialyte has no documented drug interactions.

Pedialyte side effects

Serious side effects

Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:

  • Dizziness, muscle twitches, swelling of the feet or lower legs, weakness, seizures

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less serious side effects

  • Vomiting

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