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Treating Dehydration in Adults and Children Over 12

Call 911 if the person has:

  • Extreme thirst
  • Dry skin, mouth, and mucous membranes
  • Little or no urination for 12 hours or more
  • Increased Heart Rate and Breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Light-headedness, dizziness, or confusion
  • Dehydration due to heat stroke.

Follow this link to see what to do about heat stroke . 

1. Replace Fluids

For mild dehydration or while waiting for medical care for an adult with severe dehydration that is not due to heat stroke:

  • The person should try to drink 2 quarts of rehydration drinks, water, juice, or sports drinks in 2 to 4 hours.
  • The person should drink at least 10 glasses of liquid a day to replace lost fluids.
  • If the person is elderly, fluid replacement may need to be done slowly. Consult a doctor.
  • If the person is vomiting, try ice chips, popsicles, and small sips of fluid.

 

2. When to Call a Doctor for Mild Dehydration

Seek medical help if:

  • The person’s symptoms get worse or don’t improve within 24 hours
  • The person is elderly
  • You think a prescription medication such as a diuretic caused the dehydration

 

3. Follow Up

  • For mild dehydration, the person should rest for 24 hours and keep drinking fluids, even if symptoms improve. Fluid replacement may take up to a day and a half. 
  • If dehydration is moderate to severe, fluids may need to be replaced intravenously (IV) in the hospital.

 

WebMD Medical Reference

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Reviewed by Varnada Karriem-Norwood, MD on September 27, 2011
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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