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Making up St Mark’s formula electrolyte drink

Use a double ended medicine spoon to measure the amounts into a measuring jug. Make up a fresh solution every day with:

• Sodium bicarbonate powder 2.5g (1 heaped 2.5ml spoonful)
• Glucose powder 20g (6 times level 5ml spoonfuls)
• Table salt (Sodium Chloride powder) 3.5g (1 level 5ml spoonful)
• Make up to a total volume of 1 litre using fresh tap water
• Stir well until all the powder is dissolved

The taste of the drink can be improved by keeping it chilled or by adding a small amount of fruit squash (lemon or lime flavouring is most effective).

Any flavouring used must be added before making up to a total volume of 1 litre.

The drink should be sipped throughout the day to meet the prescribed amount. If you are unable to manage the full amount of the drink then please contact the person who prescribed it for advice. Any unused solution should be discarded after 24 hours.

Ingredients needed

Ask your GP to provide a prescription for:

• Sodium bicarbonate BP powder 200g
• Sodium Chloride BP powder 500g
• Glucose powder 450g x 4

Alternatively, you can buy the ingredients from your local pharmacy or supermarket as it may work out cheaper for patients who pay prescription charges.

Sodium bicarbonate powder is the same as bicarbonate of soda. Sodium chloride powder is table salt.