Food poisoning: over-the-counter medicine

Food poisoning can irritate the stomach and bowel, causing diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain or fever. A medicine that slows diarrhoea can sometimes be unsuitable when infection, blood in the stool or fever is present, because the body may need to clear the irritant. Antibiotics are not routine self-care and should only be used when a clinician identifies a reason. Check labels carefully, especially if you take other medicines, are pregnant, or are treating a child.

Take small, frequent sips of an oral rehydration solution, particularly after vomiting or loose stools. Continue eating light foods when you can, and avoid alcohol and foods that clearly worsen symptoms. A pharmacist can help you choose a suitable product and check for interactions. Oral rehydration therapy can replace water and salts more effectively than relying on plain water alone. If you cannot keep fluids down, medical care may be needed for IV fluid therapy.

Seek urgent care for severe or worsening abdominal pain, confusion, faintness, very little urine, blood in vomit or stool, repeated vomiting, or a high fever. Get prompt advice if the ill person is an infant, older adult, pregnant, or has a condition that increases dehydration risk. Symptoms that do not begin to settle also deserve assessment.

Ask which symptom medicine is appropriate for your age and medical history, whether a current medicine should be paused, and which signs mean you need same-day assessment.