Why ORS?
ORS replaces fluids and electrolytes lost from diarrhea/vomiting and is the first-line treatment for mild to moderate dehydration.
How to Take ORS
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1
Adults Dosage:
Sip 200–250 ml every hour (more if ongoing losses).
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2
Sipping Technique:
Small, frequent sips; if vomiting, pause 15–20 minutes and resume.
Mixing Tips
Use a sealed bottle of safe water
Follow the sachet's exact instructions (volume matters)
Discard any leftover after 24 hours
Homemade (Emergency) ORS
Emergency Recipe:
6 level teaspoons of sugar
½ level teaspoon of salt
1L safe water
⚠️ Important: Seek proper ORS sachets as soon as possible. This is only for emergencies.
When ORS Isn't Enough
Signs of severe dehydration may require IV fluids:
- Marked dizziness or weakness
- Minimal urination (dark or very little urine)
- Persistent vomiting that prevents fluid retention
🚨 Call a doctor immediately for assessment and possible IV therapy.
Need ORS + medical review delivered?
We can deliver ORS/medications and provide on-site doctor care anywhere in Bali.
Book a doctorHow Much ORS Do You Actually Need?
The aim is simple: replace what you lose. A practical guide for adults is:
- After each loose stool: drink 200–400 ml of ORS.
- Across the day: keep sipping until your urine is pale yellow. Most adults with moderate diarrhea need 2–3 litres of fluid in 24 hours, of which ORS should be a good part.
- If vomiting: take 1–2 small mouthfuls every few minutes. The gut absorbs small amounts even when larger drinks come back up.
For children, see our Bali Belly in children guide for age-based amounts.
Where to Buy ORS in Bali
Every pharmacy (apotek) and most minimarkets (Indomaret, Alfamart) sell ORS sachets. Ask for oralit. Brands such as Pharolit or Oralit dissolve in 200 ml of safe water. Ready-to-drink electrolyte drinks (for example Pocari Sweat) are fine for mild cases, but contain less salt and more sugar than true ORS, so they are less effective when losses are large.
ORS vs Sports Drinks vs Coconut Water
| Drink | Good for | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| ORS (oralit) | Diarrhea and vomiting — first choice | Salty taste; chill it or add ice made from safe water |
| Electrolyte drinks | Mild cases, heat, after surfing | Lower sodium, higher sugar |
| Coconut water | Mild dehydration, taste fatigue | High potassium but low sodium — not enough on its own |
| Soft drinks / juice | — | Too much sugar; can worsen diarrhea |
Common Mistakes
- Mixing a sachet in too little water — a concentrated solution can pull more water into the gut.
- Drinking a whole bottle quickly when nauseous — it often comes straight back up.
- Stopping ORS as soon as diarrhea slows — keep going until you are passing normal amounts of pale urine.
- Using tap water or ice of unknown origin to make the solution.
When ORS Is Not Enough
If you vomit everything you drink for more than a few hours, feel faint when standing, or have passed very little urine in 8 hours, oral rehydration is failing. A doctor can give anti-nausea medicine and IV fluids at your hotel or villa. Bali Belly treatment with IV at Dewa Medical starts from IDR 2,450,000 — see Bali Belly treatment and what to do if you can't keep water down.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much ORS should an adult drink with Bali Belly?
About 200–400 ml after each loose stool, and enough through the day to keep urine pale yellow.
Where can I buy ORS in Bali?
Any pharmacy (apotek) or minimarket. Ask for 'oralit'.
Is Pocari Sweat as good as ORS?
It helps with mild dehydration, but has less sodium and more sugar than true ORS, so ORS is better for significant diarrhea or vomiting.
When do I need IV fluids instead of ORS?
If you cannot keep fluids down, feel faint on standing, or pass very little urine despite trying to drink.