Enfalyte vs Pedialyte – Comparison Of Taste And Ingredients:
Enfalyte
It is an oral electrolyte solution that is designed to quickly replace water and electrolytes (minerals present in the blood and other bodily fluids which carry an electric charge), which may be lost during diarrhea and vomiting.
If the human body loses salts and fluid, it can get dehydrated, and this negatively affects the right concentration of salts. This can be a serious health problem, particularly with young babies and children, or with seniors.
Pedialyte
It is an advanced rehydration solution that is specially made with an optimal balance of electrolytes and sugar required to help replenish essential minerals and fluids. This oral rehydration solution can help prevent mild to moderate dehydration that is caused by diarrhea, vomiting, travel, excessive exercise (over 60 minutes), and heat exhaustion.
Note – it is formulated to prevent dehydration significantly more effectively than household beverages, such as juice, sports drinks (like – Powerade or Gatorade), and soda.
Some of its features are:
- gluten-free;
- quickly replaces zinc, fluids, and electrolytes;
- lactose-free;
- provides glucose to promote water and sodium absorption;
- contains no fruit juice;
- kid-approved taste encourages compliance in children;
- low osmolality;
- #1 pediatrician and pharmacist recommended oral rehydration solution brand for hydration;
- it is available in a variety of flavors, including Unflavored (specifically for infants).
Nutrition Facts
100mL of Enfalyte contains:
- Energy (kcal/kJ) – 12.6/53;
- Carbohydrate (g) – 3.2;
- Protein (g) – 0;
- Fat (g) – 0;
- Chloride (mg) – 160;
- Potassium (mg) – 98;
- Sodium (mg) – 115.
100 ml of Pedialite contains:
- Energy (Calories) – 10;
- Zinc (mg) – 0.78;
- Potassium (mg) – 77;
- Chloride (mg) – 122;
- Fat (g) – 0;
- Sodium (mg) – 102;
- Carbohydrate (g) – 2.5;
- Protein (g) – 0.
Ingredients
Enfalyte has the following ingredients – Corn Syrup Solids, Water, Potassium Citrate, Natural Flavor, Citric Acid, Salt (Sodium Chloride), and Sodium Citrate.
Pedialyte has the following ingredients – Dextrose, FD&C Yellow No. 6, Citric Acid, Acesulfame Potassium, Zinc Gluconate, Sucralose, Potassium Citrate, Sodium Citrate, Natural and Artificial Flavours, Sodium Chloride, and Water.
Dosage
Enfalyte
When severe fluid losses require parenteral fluid therapy, Enfalyte may be given orally while the adult, child, or infant, is also receiving parenteral therapy to supply part of the estimated fluid required.
The recommended dosage for children 10 years to adults is up to 64 fl. oz. in a 24-hour period. For children 1 to 10 years, the dosage is up to 32 fl. oz. in a 24-hour period.
For infants under 1 year of age, it is recommended to consult your healthcare professional regarding the dosage.
Once your toddler or child has been on an oral electrolyte solution for 12 to 24 hours and the diarrhea is decreasing, you slowly may expand his or her diet to include foods, like – applesauce, bananas, toast, or pears with a goal of returning to his or her normal diet over the next several days as he or she tolerates.
Pedialyte
For adults, adolescents, and children over 10 years, the recommended dosage is 200 to 400 mL per episode of vomiting or diarrhea, or as much as wanted.
For children 2 to 9 years, the recommended dosage is 100 to 200 mL per episode of vomiting or diarrhea, up to a maximum of 1L over a period of 8 to 24 hours.
For children 1 to 2 years, the recommended dosage is 50 to 100 mL per episode of vomiting or diarrhea, up to a maximum of 1L over a 24-hour period.
For children under 1 year, it is recommended to consult your healthcare professional before using Pedialyte.
Tips – offer small, frequent sips every 15 min, increasing serving size as tolerated. Attempt to give this oral electrolyte solution as soon as diarrhea begins. Continue as long as vomiting or diarrhea is present.
Side Effects & Precautions
Enfalyte
Some patients may experience mild nausea. This side effect can be decreased by taking this oral electrolyte solution slowly in small amounts with a spoon.
In addition, the sufferer may experience symptoms of too much sodium in the body, especially if he or she uses the oral electrolyte solution for a longer amount of time. These symptoms are:
- puffy eyelids;
- convulsions (seizures);
- weakness;
- swelling of feet or lower legs;
- dizziness;
- restlessness;
- fast heartbeat;
- muscle twitching;
- irritability;
- high blood pressure (hypertension).
This oral rehydration solution should not be taken by anyone who:
- has a perforation (tear or hole) in the bowel or a blockage in the intestines;
- is allergic to any of the ingredients of the medication.
Other precautions include:
- do not add water or dilute;
- do not mix with milk, infant formula, fruit juices, or other electrolyte-containing liquids;
- use by date on the side of the bottle;
- do not use it if the cap ring is missing or broken.
Pedialyte
It contains FD&C Yellow No. 6, also known as Sunset Yellow, which is a petroleum-derived orange azo dye. It provides a pleasing orange color when used in drugs, foods, drinks, and cosmetics. Possible side effects of Yellow 6 are:
- skin rashes;
- allergies;
- hyperactivity;
- hives.
Precautions include:
- store unopened bottles in a cool place;
- after opening, replace the cap, refrigerate, and use within 48 hours;
- do not add water or dilute.
Bottom Line – Enfalyte vs Pedialyte
In conclusion, both electrolyte replacement solutions are prescribed for diarrhea. However, Enfalyte is produced without artificial ingredients (artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners) while Pedialyte has (although Pedialyte® Classic Unflavored is suitable for infants since it is free of artificial sweeteners, dyes, or flavors). On the other hand, Pedialyte contains more minerals as it has a bigger size.
Also, Enfalyte is only available as a ready-to-drink liquid, whereas Pedialyte is available as a ready-to-drink liquid and powder. Another difference is that Enfalyte is a rice-based solution, while Pedialyte is a sucrose-based solution.
Regarding the taste, the Pedialyte brand tastes much better than Enfalyte.
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References https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2427682/ https://www.bmj.com/content/353/bmj.i2479 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16931613