PEDIAVANCE^® ELECTROLYTE

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much PediaVance^® Electrolyte should I give to my child?
  

  PediaVance^® Electrolyte should be offered at the first signs of diarrhea to maintain electrolyte balance and normal hydration. It should be continued until after the last soft stool. A child should consume enough electrolyte solution to cover normal fluid intake plus replenish fluids lost during diarrhea and/or vomiting. Thus, the actual daily amount to be given will vary from child to child depending on the child’s age, weight, number of stools, and severity of the illness. Always consult with your child’s healthcare professional to determine the amount and frequency of PediaVance^® Electrolyte to be given. PediaVance^® Electrolyte can be given every 1-4 hours. A child can consume up to 64 fluid ounces per day to replenish fluids while diarrhea continues.

• Can it be dangerous to dilute PediaVance or rehydrate by using water?

  Do not dilute PediaVance^® Oral Electrolyte or mix it with other fluids. It is important that an oral electrolyte solution, such as PediaVance^®, is properly balanced with the various electrolytes to replace those lost in fluids and keep the body properly hydrated. Diluting PediaVance^® with other fluids will alter the balance of the three electrolytes: sodium, potassium, and chloride. Sodium in combination with carbohydrate (sugar) aids the absorption of water from the intestinal tract into the body and helps to retain fluids in the body to prevent dehydration. Potassium works with sodium to help regulate fluid balance in the body. Chloride helps to maintain the acid-base balance of the body fluids and prevent acidosis. Rehydrating by using only water without the correct balance of electrolytes can result in water intoxication and hyponatremia (too little sodium in the blood). Drinking too much water basically drowns the cells because the infant’s immature kidneys are unable to process the water quickly enough. Water intoxication can lead to inconsolable crying because the baby’s body tissues, including the brain, swell causing a headache; difficulty breathing because the lungs contain too much water; irregular heart beat because the electrolytes are not in balance; seizures noted by odd facial movements, lip smacking, rhythmic jerking of a body part; coma; and ultimately death if not medically treated. Always check with your child’s healthcare professional when treating your child’s illness to be sure that the appropriate fluids in the necessary amounts per day are provided.

• Why is the balance of water, electrolytes, and carbohydrate important?

  Sodium, potassium, and chloride are electrolytes. Sodium in combination with carbohydrate (sugar) aids the absorption of water from the intestinal tract into the body and helps to retain fluids in the body to prevent dehydration. Potassium works with sodium to help regulate fluid balance in the body. Chloride helps to maintain the acid-base balance of the body fluids and prevent acidosis. It is important that oral electrolyte solution is properly balanced with the various electrolytes to replace fluid losses and keep the body hydrated.

  The carbohydrate in the solution must also be in the proper amount. The carbohydrate and sodium work together to move water out of the intestinal tract and into the body, thus promoting hydration. Too much carbohydrate can cause diarrhea to worsen by moving water from the body into the intestinal tract.

  This movement of water, electrolytes and sugar across the intestinal tract and into the body is known as osmosis. Solutions with an osmolality lower than serum make effective oral rehydration solutions. Serum has an osmolality of 310 mOsm/l.

  PediaVance^® Electrolyte has an osmolality of 270. This is the reason why liquids such as apple juice, carbonated sodas, or sports drinks are not recommended as rehydration solutions for infants and children with diarrhea. Their osmolality is way too high and may worsen the diarrhea.

• Can PediaVance^® be used when my child is sick and vomiting?

  When a child is ill and vomiting, an oral rehydration solution such as PediaVance^® can help prevent dehydration. Children will usually gladly drink an oral rehydration solution because they are thirsty. However, if vomiting persists and the child is unable to consume an adequate amount of liquids, this warrants an immediate call to the child’s healthcare. Persistent vomiting or vomiting caused by a bowel obstruction will require use of intravenous (IV) therapy.

• Should I breastfeed or use PediaVance^® Electrolyte instead?

  Breast milk is always best for a baby with any intestinal upset. Breastfeeding actually helps a baby's intestines to recuperate from illnesses causing diarrhea. There are very few medical reasons to stop breastfeeding.

  If your baby doesn't want to nurse as frequently during an illness and is beginning to show signs of dehydration, immediately consult with your healthcare professional before using PediaVance^® Electrolyte or any other liquid.

• Does PediaVance^® contain organic ingredients?

  PediaVance^® Electrolyte is currently the only oral electrolyte solution made with organic and natural ingredients; nothing is artificial. There are no genetically modified ingredients. PediaVance^® Electrolyte is made with natural flavors and is free of preservatives and alcohol.

• Does PediaVance^® contain apple ingredients?

  No, PediaVance^® does not contain any apple ingredients. Apples and apple juice contain a non-digestible carbohydrate called sorbitol which causes water to move into the gastrointestinal tract during digestion. So sorbitol and sorbitol containing ingredients would not be appropriate in an oral electrolyte solution designed to treat diarrhea. The apple flavoring in PediaVance^® Electrolyte is derived from Nature’s One’s unique recipe combining organic white grape juice and a special mix of natural flavors. This proprietary combination of natural ingredients gives PediaVance^® Electrolyte its pleasant apple flavor. .

• How long can I store an opened bottle of PediaVance^®?

  After opening PediaVance^® Oral Electrolyte, replace the cap, refrigerate and use within 72 hours. Discarding unused electrolyte solution beyond 72 hours is important due to bacterial contamination that occurs once the product is exposed to air. Since diarrhea is often caused by bacterial or viral exposure, this extra precaution may be important to a quick recovery. Please be sure the bottle is tightly resealed before storing in the refrigerator.

• What are the best temperatures for consumption and storage?

  Do not heat PediaVance^® Electrolyte. Heating the electrolyte solution could result in the evaporation of needed water, thereby increasing the concentration of minerals and other ingredients, which could be dangerous. PediaVance^® Electrolyte tastes best when chilled. You can also freeze into popsicles, ice cubes or blend into a slushy.

  To ensure the highest quality over an extended period of time, PediaVance^® Electrolyte should be stored in a cool place. Avoid extreme heat.

• What type of plastic is used in PediaVance^® Electrolyte?

  The raw material used in PediaVance^® Electrolyte bottles consists of only Polyethylene Terephathalate (PET) and does not contain Bisphenol-A (BPA), Phthalates nor Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). Below is a brief explanation for each of these materials.

  PET bottles are most commonly used for beverages or liquid products, such as PediaVance^® Electrolyte. This bottle type is recognized as a safe material to drink from and contains no dioxins. You can identify these bottles by the small number “1” or “PETE” found on the bottom of the containers. BPA is used in the epoxy resin that coats the inside of some metal cans. BPA is not used in plastic materials like PET, nor is it used to make any of the component materials used to make PET.

  PVC is a completely different plastic than PET and not a component of PET. PVC is used to soften plastics and is commonly referred to as vinyl. PVC is also used for products such as food wrap, vegetable oil bottles and blister packaging.

  Phthalates are not used in PET materials. Though part of the PET chemical name contains “phthalate,” it is not the one that is of concern. The type of “phthalate” that has raised concern is used to make various plastics more flexible, and in that role is called a “plasticizer.” PET does not contain plasticizers or the type of “phthalate” that is used in plasticizers.

• Can adults use PediaVance^® Electrolyte?

  Although PediaVance^® was specifically designed to meet the hydration needs of infants and children, adults can also drink PediaVance^® to help meet their hydration requirements as well. However, adults will need to drink larger quantities. Adults may benefit from the appropriate balance of carbohydrates, electrolytes and water found in PediaVance^® as well as enjoy the refreshing apple or grape flavors of PediaVance^® in the following situations:

  • illnesses that cause diarrhea and vomiting, such as traveler’s diarrhea or the flu or other viral infections.
  • rehydration due to excessive sweating after exercising or participating in active sporting events or heavy labor or due to extremely hot temperatures.
  • elderly patients who are prone to dehydration.