Ralphs to carry DripDrop rehydration solution

SAN FRANCISCO — DripDrop, a new, pharmacist-approved rehydration solution for all ages, is now available at Kroger subsidiary Ralphs.

"Consumers of all ages, living in virtually any disease state, are challenged by the threat of dehydration daily," Dr. Eduardo Dolhun, DripDrop's founder, said. "DripDrop is a great-tasting, efficacious solution for treating and preventing dehydration caused by illness, heat or exercise."

Dehydration can impair productivity by up to 20%, reduce athletic performance and worsen colds, according to the company. Dehydration from gastroenteritis results in 1.5 million outpatient visits and 200,000 hospitalizations every year, and dehydration in children accounts for 3 million outpatient visits and 925,000 hospital days each year, DripDrop said.

The product, which hit Rite Aid shelves in June, was designed as an antidote to over-dependence upon intravenous rehydration therapy, which is now in short supply, according to the company.

DripDrop hydrates 34% more effectively than water alone, and 20% more effectively than sports drinks, a 2014 clinical trial said. A 2014 MD Analytics study revealed that 94% of pharmacists prefer DripDrop as an effective oral rehydration solution, over sports drinks. 

"The pharmacists at Ralphs were very excited to learn about DripDrop because they recognized the need it fills as a broadly applicable, good tasting, medical grade hydration solution," Rebecca Cupp, VP of Ralphs’ pharmacy division, said. "DripDrop can help our pharmacists improve outcomes and patient satisfaction, which ultimately leads to a better experience for our customers."