Introduction
Diarrhoea is the most dreadful & devastating, frequently occurring health problem and major cause of death in infants & young children in our country. Recent studies suggest that the dehydrated patients, caused by Diarrhoea given an ORS solution containing rice powder instead of glucose were more effectively rehydrated and had an appreciably reduced rate of stool output during treatment as compared with patients given glucose-ORS solution and produces energy for the patient. Rice ORS also reduces frequency & duration of Diarrhoea by upto 40-50% more than glucose based ORS.


Composition
General Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is the only company in Bangladesh who is manufacturing Rice Saline. There are two pack size available for Rice Saline, 250 ml & 500 ml. Each rice based saline sachet is made of processed rice powder to be used in 250/500 ml water contains as follows-

Sodium Chloride Sodium Chloride in water dissociates to provide Sodium (Na+) and Chloride (Cl–) ions. These ions are normal constituents of the body fluids (principally extracellular) and are essential for maintaining
electrolyte balance. Sodium Chloride provides electrolytes and is a source of water for hydration. They are capable of inducing diuresis depending on the clinical condition of the patient.

Potassium Chloride

The potassium ion is in the principle intracellular cation of most body tissues. Potassium ions participate in a number of essential physiological processes. Supplemental potassium in the form of potassium chloride (Rice Saline) able to restore normal potassium levels.

Composition of Rice Powder
Water & Starch : Low osmotic capacity (unlike pure glucose) thus preventing any additional loss of fluid through the stools. Rice starch contains 20% amylose and 80% amylopectin.

Flavour
Fruity flavour is used in Rice Saline as research from WHO and UNICEF showed that flavoured ORS has a greater acceptability.

Mechanism of Action Rice is a carbohydrate. When Rice Saline reaches intestine then it is converted to glucose by enzymes. Glucose than reaches to capillary vessels through intestinal wall with salt. Salt stimulates the water absorption. Water, salt and glucose reach all over the body through blood flow.

Indication
Rice Saline is indicated for the treatment of fluid and electrolyte loss associated with acute Diarr

Preparation of Rice Saline
Pour the contents of one sachet into a large glass. Add 250 ml ( approximately 1 glass) or 500 ml (approximately 2 glasses) of boiled hot water and mix well until the liquid has a milky appearance and drink the whole glassfull ensure that no solid is remaining at the bottom of the glass and do not use extra water to rinse out the glass.

Dosage and Administration



Advice
Reconstituted Rice Saline should be used within 5 hours. After making the Rice Saline further heating or boiling is not necessary. Feeding bottles should not be used. For babies, a dropper or syringe without the needle can be used to put small amounts of solution into the mouth. Mix the solution with clean spoon each time before administration.

Pregnancy and Lactation
Rice Saline is well accepted in pregnancy or lactation but should be used on medical advice.

Over Dosage
In the event of significant overdose, serum electrolytes should be evaluated as soon as possible. This is particularly important for the very young.

Drug Interaction
There is no known interaction of Rice Saline with other drugs.

How supplied
Box contains 1X12’s 500 ml & 1X 20’s 250 ml Rice Saline sachets.

Manufactured by
General Pharmaceuticals Ltd.