Dehydration — Uganda (General Adult population)
Mild Dehydration
Give oral ORS 25 ml/kg over first 4 hours. Increase or maintain until clinical improvement.
Moderate Dehydration
Give oral ORS 50 ml/kg over first 4 hours.
Severe Dehydration — IV Fluid Regimen
Ringer's Lactate (or Normal Saline 0.9%) IV. First hour: 1 L. Next 3 hours: 2 L. Next 20 hours: 3 L. Give rapidly until radial pulse is felt, then adjust rate. Re-evaluate vitals after 4 hours.
After Rehydration (Severe)
Once signs of dehydration resolve (do not stop early), start fluid maintenance: alternate ORS and water to avoid hypernatraemia. Continue as long as cause persists.
Notes
Volumes are guidelines only — may increase or maintain high rate until clinical improvement. Adults can take up to 750 ml ORS/hour. Continued nutrition is important — food should be continued during treatment. Avoid artificially sweetened juices.
Prevention
Encourage prompt use of ORS at home if the person is vomiting and/or having diarrhoea.
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