You can drink oral rehydration mixtures to replace fluids and minerals lost through vomiting and diarrhea. Oral rehydration powder can be purchased from a pharmacy. Be sure to mix the powder in safe water.
You can make your own rehydration mixture by dissolving ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of baking soda and 4 tablespoons of sugar in 4 ¼ cups (1 liter) of water.
You may need to get fluids through a vein (IV) if you have diarrhea or vomiting and cannot drink or keep enough fluids in your body. You will need to go to your health care provider's office or the emergency room.
If you take diuretics (water pills), talk to your health care provider. You may need to stop taking the diuretic while you have diarrhea. Never stop or change medicines without first talking to your health care provider. You can buy medicines at the drugstore that can help stop or slow diarrhea. Do not use these medicines without talking to your health care provider if you have bloody diarrhea or a fever. Do not give these medicines to children.