St Mark’s Electrolyte Mix

St Mark’s Electrolyte Mix is a glucose-electrolyte solution, also known as an oral rehydration solution (ORS) which is used in the management of short bowel syndrome

• St Mark’s Electrolyte Mix is an unique glucose-electrolyte mix oral rehydration solution (ORS)
• It is used in the management of short bowel syndrome, to maintain an adequate fluid balance and minimise stool output
• The solution contains 90mmol/L of sodium and no potassium
• Patients should make the solution up fresh every day using the following measurements:
  • 20g (six level 5mL spoonfuls) of glucose powder or glucose powder with vitamin C
  • 2.5g (one heaped 2.5mL spoonful) of sodium bicarbonate powder (baking soda) or sodium citrate powder if the sodium bicarbonate is not tolerated due to causing a bitter or salty taste
  • 3.5g (one level 5mL spoonful) of sodium chloride (table salt)
• Patients should be strongly encouraged to avoid plain water consumption when they are thirsty and to substitute it with the St Mark’s Electrolyte Mix
• The solution can be made more palatable if patients find the solution bitter or salty due to the sodium bicarbonate component by:
  • Storing in the refrigerator and drinking chilled
  • Freezing the solution into ice cubes and drinking as a slush
  • Adding a small amount of fruit juice or squash when making up the whole solution rather than adding this to each glass of solution to ensure the sodium content is maintained
  • Sipping the solution through a straw which can also help minimise the bitter taste

Notes:

• patients should be advised that inaccurate measurement of ingredients or enhancing the ORS with additional water, ice, juice or sugar-containing flavourings will alter the sodium to carbohydrate ratio making the solution less effective

Reference:

1. NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service (November 2020). What is St Mark’s Electrolyte Mix (solution)?