Common anti-vomiting drugs

Some medicines reduce signals from the balance organs or the vomiting centre in the brain. Others calm the stomach or block chemical signals involved in nausea. A medicine that helps travel sickness may not suit vomiting from infection, migraine, abdominal inflammation or another problem. Repeated vomiting can also cause dehydration, so medicine should not replace fluids and assessment when symptoms continue.

Vomiting may occur with Food Poisoning, Gastroenteritis or Migraine. Severe abdominal pain can occur with Gallstones or Pancreatitis, while vomiting with a severe headache, stiff neck or confusion needs urgent assessment.

Follow the label or prescriber’s directions and check whether the product causes sleepiness, blurred vision, dry mouth or dizziness. Do not drive or drink alcohol until you know how it affects you. Ask a pharmacist before combining products, especially if you take medicines for heart rhythm, mood, allergies or sleep. Take small, frequent sips of an oral rehydration drink or water if you can keep fluids down.

Children, older adults, pregnant people and anyone with liver, kidney or heart disease may need a different medicine or dose. Do not give someone else your prescription.

Seek urgent help for blood or green material in vomit, severe or worsening abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, fainting, confusion, a stiff neck, severe headache, chest pain or trouble breathing. Get medical advice if you cannot keep fluids down, pass very little urine, or vomiting follows a head injury. Vomiting with fever and a severe headache can be a sign of Meningitis and needs urgent assessment.

Ask what is most likely causing the vomiting, which medicine is appropriate, how long to use it, and which side effects require action. Mention pregnancy, long-term conditions, allergies and every medicine or supplement you take.