Cera Products has launched new rice-based, gluten-free oral rehydration solution (ORS) ceralyte in a ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage.

The new drink has a shelf life of three years and will be available in a 250ml bottle at retail pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics across the US. A non-prescription product, ceralyte is capable of treating dehydration and diarrhea, as well as reduce fluid loss as it rehydrates.

Cera Products' founder and chief executive officer (CEO) Charlene Riikonen said: "While the typical sugar-based ORS solutions marketed primarily for use in infants or young children correct dehydration, they do not reduce fluid losses.

“Conventional sports drinks are inappropriate for use in diarrhea as they do not have the correct levels of salts needed for fluid replacement.

"Conventional sports drinks are inappropriate for use in diarrhea as they do not have the correct levels of salts needed for fluid replacement."

"With more than 375 million episodes of acute and chronic diarrhea each year in the US, we believe ceralyte is cost-effective and meets an important healthcare need."

The company claims that the new low-osmolarity, cost-effective formulation will be available in different flavours and in ready-to-mix powder in different sizes.

Cera Products' president Jennifer Gurrola said: "Physicians may wish to use ceralyte with patients presenting with any type of diarrhea that could result in dehydration.

"Pharmacists will recognise the unique dual action of ceralyte to help reduce diarrhea while ensuring hydration. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation will see lessened discomfort with ceralyte.”