Best Hangover Remedy is Pedialyte; Baby Drink Targets Adults with Powdered Packets

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Pedialyte is traditionally a drink given to dehydrated children who have the cold, flu or other electrolyte-diminshing illnesses. However, it was found out recently that the rehdyrating solution has become a popular hangover remedy among adults.

Business Insider reports one out of three consumers, who buy the drink, is an adult. According to MarketPlace.org, the top two reasons why adults drink pedialyte are to treat hangovers and relieve stomach flu.

Abbott Laboratories, the maker of the healthy solution, said that there has been a 57 percent increase in adult sales of Pedialyte. The New York Post has learned that due to the increased number of adults purchasing the rehydrating compound, company sales have grown by 22 percent between 2012 and 2014.

The NY Post also noted that Pedialyte was found to be used by athletes and college students to treat hangovers, which eventually paved the way for more adults to try the solution as a hangover remedy.

Executive Vice President at Abbott Heather Mason says social media played a big role in marketing Pedialyte to adults.

"There's an underground movement in social media to drive word of mouth. We saw increased use by adults. We have high electrolyte and lower sugar content than common [hydration beverages. That combination caused us to say, 'We need to be part of this,'" Mason told MarketWatch.

Abbott has since launched a promotional campaign on social media for Pedialyte's use and benefits in the adult market, reports NBC News. The campaign features ads with slogans like, "See the Lyte" or "When last night's party threatens to ruin today, those in the know reach for Pedialyte."

While the company has no plans of changing the name of the drink, there are plans of launching powder pack versions of the drink in flavors that adults are more likely to favor: orange and strawberry-lemonade. Apart from the social media campaign, the company is also planning on promoting the new powder pack drink through sporting events by handing the packets out for free.

Meanwhile, Robert Passikoff, founder and president of a consulting firm, believes marketing Pedialyte to adults could be challenging.

"Pedialyte is known for electrolyte absorption for children...Adults are going to feel they need a product of their own. The name becomes a barrier," Passikoff says.

Additionally, Carlos Torelli, a marketing Professor at the University of Minnesota, insists parents will have difficulty accepting a drink that is also used to treat adult hangovers.