Electral ORS — India’s Most Trusted Hydration Solution, Reviewed
A deep-dive review of Electral Classic (Green) and Electral Orange — ingredients, all flavours, WHO formula, and who should use it.
📖 In This Review
Brand Overview: What is Electral ORS?
Electral is India’s No. 1 Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) brand, manufactured by FDC Limited, a pharmaceutical company based in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The product has been a household name across India for decades, trusted by doctors, hospitals, and families alike.
The product is formulated strictly following the World Health Organization (WHO) ORS formula, which recommends a precise combination of electrolytes and glucose to restore lost fluids from diarrhoea, vomiting, excessive sweating, heat exhaustion, or intense physical activity. Electral ORS dissolves easily in water and works by using the glucose-sodium co-transport mechanism in the small intestine — meaning glucose literally pulls sodium and water back into the body faster than plain water ever could.
WHO-Approved Osmolarity: 245 mOsmol/L
All Electral variants maintain the WHO-recommended reduced osmolarity of 245 mOsmol/L — proven to reduce stool output and vomiting in dehydration cases compared to older 311 mOsmol/L formulas. Both the green and orange variants are manufactured in WHO & UNICEF approved plants.
Electral comes in two core colour-coded lines — the classic green sachet (unflavoured, 21.80g) and the orange-branded flavoured range (4.40g unit dose or 21.80g multi-dose). Within these two lines, FDC has expanded to offer a range of exciting flavours to improve palatability for all age groups.
Electral ORS – Classic (Unflavoured)
The Original Green Electral is the gold standard ORS product that most Indians have grown up with. It comes in a 21.80g sachet designed to be dissolved in 1 litre of water — making it a multi-dose solution ideal for home use, hospital settings, and emergencies.
The green sachet has no artificial flavouring or colour. When dissolved, it produces a clear, slightly salty-sweet liquid that is clinically effective. It is marked “NOT FOR INJECTION” on the packaging — a medical-grade distinction that underscores its pharmaceutical credentials.
📋 Complete Ingredient Breakdown
Each 21.80g sachet dissolved in 1 litre of water provides:
| Ingredient (I.P. Grade) | Amount per Sachet | Role in Body |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium Chloride I.P. | 2.60 g | Restores sodium lost via sweat/diarrhoea; maintains fluid balance |
| Potassium Chloride I.P. | 1.50 g | Prevents hypokalemia; supports nerve and muscle function |
| Sodium Citrate I.P. | 2.90 g | Corrects metabolic acidosis; acts as alkalising buffer |
| Dextrose Anhydrous I.P. | 13.50 g | Drives glucose-sodium co-transport; provides quick energy |
| Excipients | q.s. | Flow agents, anti-caking (quantity sufficient) |
⚗️ Electrolyte Profile (per litre, after reconstitution)
📦 Packaging Details
- Pack size: 21.80g per sachet
- Dissolve in: 1 litre of clean drinking water (multi-dose)
- Box contains: 30 sachets per box
- Shelf life: 12 months from date of manufacture
- Storage: Room temperature, away from moisture and sunlight
- Veg certified: Yes — no animal-derived ingredients
🧪 How to Prepare – Green Electral (Classic)
- Take 1 litre of clean, potable drinking water in a glass or steel vessel (do NOT use a plastic container for long storage).
- Open the 21.80g green sachet carefully and pour the entire contents into the water.
- Stir well until the powder is completely dissolved — the solution will appear clear.
- Consume within 24 hours. Do not store the prepared solution beyond this period.
- Sip at regular intervals throughout the day. Do not gulp large quantities at once, especially if vomiting.
✅ Pros
- Most clinically trusted ORS formula in India
- No artificial colours or preservatives
- Pharmacopoeial (I.P.) grade ingredients
- Economical — approx ₹10–12 per sachet
- Ideal for medical/hospital use
- Can be used by all ages including infants (with doctor’s guidance)
- WHO & UNICEF approved manufacturing
❌ Cons
- Unflavoured — salty taste may be unpleasant for some
- Large 1-litre preparation needed
- Not the most convenient for on-the-go use
- Prepared solution must be discarded within 24 hrs
Electral ORS – Orange Flavour Range
The Electral Orange range was introduced to make ORS therapy more palatable, especially for children who resist the unflavoured classic. The orange line comes in two formats — a 4.40g unit-dose sachet (dissolved in 200 ml water) and a 21.80g multi-dose sachet (dissolved in 1 litre). Both formats maintain the same WHO-recommended electrolyte ratios, just proportionally scaled.
A key distinction of Electral Orange: it forms a colourless liquid when dissolved, despite having an orange flavour — because there are no artificial colours added. The flavour is purely taste-based, not colour-based. This makes it stand out from many competitor ORS products that use synthetic dyes.
📋 Ingredient Breakdown – 4.40g Sachet (Unit Dose)
Each 4.40g sachet dissolved in 200 ml of water provides:
| Ingredient (I.P. Grade) | Amount (4.40g sachet) | Role in Body |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium Chloride I.P. | 0.52 g | Sodium replenishment; fluid retention and osmotic balance |
| Potassium Chloride I.P. | 0.30 g | Electrolyte balance; muscle and nerve signal transmission |
| Sodium Citrate I.P. | 0.58 g | Alkalising agent; corrects acidosis caused by diarrhoea/vomiting |
| Dextrose Anhydrous I.P. | 2.70 g | Glucose-driven co-transport of Na⁺ and water in small intestine |
| Excipients | q.s. | Flavouring agents (orange), anti-caking, flow agents |
⚗️ Electrolyte Profile (after reconstitution, same for both sizes)
📦 Packaging Details
- Unit Dose: 4.40g sachet → dissolve in 200 ml water (one glass)
- Multi Dose: 21.80g sachet → dissolve in 1 litre water
- Box contains: 30 or 50 sachets per box depending on variant
- Colourless on reconstitution: No artificial dyes added
- Shelf life: 12 months
- Packaging: Durable PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) sachet for high stability
🧃 How to Prepare – Electral Orange
- For 4.40g sachet: Use exactly 200 ml (one large glass) of clean drinking water. For the 21.80g sachet, use 1 litre.
- Pour the entire sachet contents into the water. Do not estimate or split the sachet.
- Stir or shake until fully dissolved. The liquid will be clear with a mild orange aroma.
- Use a glass, ceramic, or stainless steel container — avoid plastic for extended storage of prepared solution.
- Consume within 24 hours and refrigerate if storing. Do not add sugar, salt, or any other ingredients.
✅ Pros
- Excellent palatability — children love the orange taste
- 4.40g unit dose is perfect for on-the-go use
- No artificial colours despite the flavour
- Same WHO formula as classic green
- Wide availability in pharmacies and online
- Easy to carry while travelling
❌ Cons
- Slightly pricier than the unflavoured classic
- Flavour may not suit everyone’s taste
- Must dilute in exact water volume for correct electrolyte concentration
All Electral ORS Flavours — Complete Guide
FDC Electral has expanded its flavour range significantly to improve patient compliance — because the best ORS is the one you’ll actually drink. Here’s every flavour currently available in the Electral lineup:
The Science Behind Electral’s Ingredients
Understanding what’s in Electral — and why — is key to appreciating why it works so much better than plain water for rehydration.
Why Sodium Chloride?
Sodium (Na⁺) is the primary electrolyte lost during diarrhoea and vomiting. When sodium levels drop in the blood (hyponatremia), the body struggles to retain water — leading to rapid dehydration. Sodium Chloride (common salt, I.P. grade = pharmaceutical purity) directly replenishes this deficit. The chloride component also helps maintain blood pH and supports proper digestion.
Why Potassium Chloride?
Potassium (K⁺) is predominantly an intracellular electrolyte. Diarrhoea causes significant potassium loss which, if uncorrected, leads to hypokalemia — causing muscle weakness, leg cramps, irregular heartbeat, and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmia. Electral’s 1.50g (green) / 0.30g (orange 4.4g) of potassium chloride prevents these complications.
Why Sodium Citrate instead of Sodium Bicarbonate?
Older ORS formulas used sodium bicarbonate, but it has poor shelf stability in humid climates. Sodium Citrate I.P. is metabolised in the liver to bicarbonate — achieving the same alkalising effect while having a much longer shelf life. It corrects the metabolic acidosis that commonly accompanies severe diarrhoea without the stability issues of bicarbonate.
Why Dextrose Anhydrous? The Glucose-Sodium Co-Transport Mechanism
This is the most critical — and most misunderstood — ingredient in ORS. Plain water, despite being hypotonic, is absorbed slowly across intestinal membranes. Glucose activates a specific transport protein in intestinal cells called SGLT-1 (Sodium Glucose Linked Transporter-1). This protein physically carries one glucose molecule and two sodium ions together across the intestinal wall — and water follows passively by osmosis. ORS essentially hijacks this biological pump to rapidly pull fluids back into the bloodstream. This is why ORS works even during active diarrhoea.
Green vs Orange — Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s a comprehensive head-to-head of the two main Electral product lines to help you choose the right one for your needs.
| Feature | 🟢 Classic Green | 🟠 Orange Range |
|---|---|---|
| Sachet Weight | 21.80g | 4.40g (unit) / 21.80g (multi) |
| Water Required | 1 Litre | 200 ml (4.4g) / 1 Litre (21.8g) |
| Flavour | Unflavoured | Orange + multiple variants |
| Artificial Colours | None | None |
| Colour of Solution | Clear / Colourless | Clear / Colourless |
| Total Osmolarity | 245 mOsmol/L | 245 mOsmol/L |
| Sodium (mOsmol/L) | 75 | 75 |
| Potassium (mOsmol/L) | 20 | 20 |
| Glucose (mOsmol/L) | 75 | 75 |
| WHO Formula | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Best For | Clinical use, adults, hospitals | Children, travel, daily use |
| Approx. Price | ₹10–12 per sachet | ₹5–7 (4.4g) / ₹18–22 (21.8g) |
| Palatability | ⭐⭐⭐ (salty-sweet) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (pleasant fruit taste) |
| Clinical Efficacy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (identical) |
| Convenience | ⭐⭐⭐ (needs 1 litre) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (200ml unit dose) |
Who Should Use Electral ORS?
✅ Electral IS Recommended For:
- Diarrhoea patients (all ages): The primary indication. Start ORS immediately with the first loose stool — don’t wait for dehydration to develop.
- Vomiting or gastroenteritis: Sip small amounts (5 ml every 5 minutes) to prevent rejecting the fluid.
- Heat exhaustion/stroke: Rapidly replenishes salt and water lost through profuse sweating.
- Fever patients: Increased metabolic rate causes fluid loss; ORS prevents dehydration during illness.
- Post-exercise recovery: Effective for replenishing electrolytes after intense workouts, running, or sports.
- Travellers: Essential item for trips to hot climates or areas with food safety concerns.
- Infants & young children: Under doctor’s guidance — ORS has saved millions of children’s lives globally.
- Elderly patients: Older adults have reduced thirst sensation and are at high risk of dehydration.
- Pregnant women: Safe during pregnancy for managing dehydration from morning sickness (consult doctor).
- Fasting individuals: Long fasting periods (Ramadan, Navratri, etc.) — ORS after breaking fast helps restore electrolytes.
⚠️ Caution / Contraindications:
- Kidney disease patients: The potassium and sodium load may be problematic — consult a nephrologist before use.
- Hypertension (high BP): Electral contains sodium — those on sodium-restricted diets should use under medical supervision.
- Diabetics: Contains dextrose (glucose) — consult a doctor about appropriate quantities.
- Do NOT use for IV/injection: The sachet is clearly marked “NOT FOR INJECTION” — it is strictly oral.
- Cholera with severe dehydration: May need intravenous rehydration first before switching to ORS — hospital setting required.
Recommended Dosage Guide
| Age Group | 🟢 Amount per Day | 🟠 Key Note |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (under 2 yrs) | 50–100 ml per kg body weight | Must consult paediatrician |
| Children (2–10 yrs) | 500 ml – 1 litre | Offer frequently in small sips |
| Older Children (10–14 yrs) | 1–2 litres | Monitor for vomiting |
| Adults | 2–3 litres during acute illness | Increase with ongoing losses |
| Post-Workout (Adults) | 500 ml – 1 litre | Within 30 minutes of exercise |
| Elderly | 1–2 litres per day | Under medical supervision preferred |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Answers to the most commonly asked questions about Electral ORS — optimised for voice search and AI assistants.
Final Verdict — Which Electral Should You Buy?
🟢 Buy Classic Green Electral (21.80g) If You:
- Are dealing with acute diarrhoea or vomiting and need maximum clinical reliability
- Are buying for a hospital setting, clinic, or medical kit
- Want the most economical ORS option
- Are buying in bulk for family use at home
- Don’t mind — or prefer — an unflavoured, clinical taste
- Are treating infants (under doctor’s guidance)
🟠 Buy Orange Electral (4.40g or 21.80g) If You:
- Are buying for children who resist the classic taste
- Need a portable, on-the-go solution (4.40g unit dose is perfect)
- Want to carry ORS while travelling, trekking, or at sports events
- Prefer a refreshing fruit flavour that makes rehydration more enjoyable
- Are managing heat exhaustion or post-workout recovery
- Want variety — choose the Assorted Pack to try all flavours
Electral remains India’s most trusted, scientifically validated, and economically accessible ORS brand. Whether you choose the classic green or the flavoured orange range — you’re getting a genuine WHO-formula product manufactured to pharmaceutical standards. Stock it in your home, office first-aid kit, and travel bag.
