What should you know about medicine for nausea and vomiting?

Nausea is the urge to vomit; vomiting is the forceful emptying of the stomach. They can occur with food poisoning, gastroenteritis, migraine, gallstones, pancreatitis, or medicines. Less common but urgent causes include meningitis. Treatment may involve replacing fluid and salts, treating the underlying problem, or a prescribed anti-sickness medicine. A medicine that helps one cause may be unsuitable for another, so persistent or unexplained symptoms deserve assessment.

Take small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. When able, try bland foods in small portions and avoid alcohol, heavy meals, and strong smells. Follow directions for any prescribed or pharmacy medicine and check interactions with your regular treatment. Do not use someone else’s anti-sickness medicine. Read more about Vomiting and related conditions such as Food Poisoning, Gastroenteritis, Migraine, Gallstones, or Pancreatitis if their features match your symptoms.

Get urgent help for blood or green material in vomit, severe or worsening abdominal pain, a stiff neck, confusion, fainting, chest pain, severe headache, or inability to keep fluids down. Seek prompt advice for very little urine, marked dizziness, a dry mouth, persistent vomiting, or vomiting after a head injury. Children, older adults, and people with significant medical conditions can become dehydrated quickly.

Ask what may be causing the symptoms, whether you need an anti-sickness medicine, how to replace fluids, and which warning signs should prompt same-day care.