Pedialyte: Claiming update
Due to an error in Pharmacode, pharmacies may have been overpaid for dispensing Pedialyte in February 2026.
What happened
We listed Pedialyte on 1 February 2026 for an upcoming brand change. We used an old Pharmacode (2504308) which may show in pharmacy software with a 1,000 ml unit of measure. Pharmac lists this item with a pack size of 1 OP.
This difference may have resulted in some payment errors.
A new Pharmacode will be listed from 1 March 2026. The new Pharmacode aligns the unit of measure between Pharmac and pharmacy software.
New Pharmacode: 2724642
Old Pharmacode: 2504308
The old Pharmacode will be delisted from 1 March 2026.
What pharmacies need to do
Pharmac asks that pharmacies check their submitted claims for Pedialyte, Pharmacode 2504308, for dispensings between 1–28 February 2026.
- If you claimed 'OP' and your claim have been paid correctly, no further action is needed.
- If you claimed in mls, check the actual quantity dispensed and amount paid.
Claimed in mls? Change your claim
For the overpaid claims, can pharmacies please:
- change the quantity dispensed to 1 ml = 1 OP, if one bottle was dispensed (2 ml = 2 OPs if two bottles were dispensed)
- resubmit in your dispensing software and ensure it is claimed in your next claim.
Pharmacies will be reimbursed for a whole bottle(s) once the item is resubmitted.
Incorrectly paid claims won't have been rejected but you will notice a very large variance.
Repeat dispensings
Repeat dispensings for Pedialyte after 1 March 2026 will need to use the new Pharmacode 2724642 to avoid further incorrect claim payments.
We're sorry
We apologise for this error and any inconvenience it has caused.
Tender brand change
Pedialyte is taking over from Hydralyte - lemonade as the funded brand. Pedialyte was initially listed 1 February. It will have principal supply status from 1 July 2026.
Hydralyte will be delisted on 1 July 2026.
Schedule listing for compound electrolytes with glucose(external link)
31 July 2025 Tender Notification II
Who to contact
If you have any questions about this issue, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz