Medicine for vomiting

Vomiting can occur with Food Poisoning, Gastroenteritis, migraine, medication effects or motion. Gallstones and Pancreatitis may cause vomiting with significant upper-abdominal pain. Meningitis can include vomiting alongside a severe headache, fever or stiff neck. Rotavirus Infection is another possible cause, especially when vomiting occurs with diarrhoea.

An anti-sickness medicine may be suitable after a pharmacist or clinician checks your symptoms and medicines. It may cause drowsiness or other side effects, and it does not remove a serious underlying cause. Children, older adults and people with long-term conditions can become dehydrated quickly.

After vomiting, pause briefly, then try tiny sips of water or oral rehydration solution at regular intervals. Increase the amount slowly if it stays down. When hunger returns, choose plain foods and avoid alcohol, heavy meals and strong smells. Rest, wash your hands and avoid preparing food for others if an infection is possible. Follow medicine directions and do not use someone else’s prescription.

Seek urgent help for blood or coffee-ground vomit, green vomit, severe abdominal pain, a stiff neck, confusion, fainting, severe headache, or difficulty breathing. Get medical advice if you cannot keep fluids down, pass very little urine, have worsening weakness, or vomiting continues or repeatedly returns. A baby, older person or pregnant person may need earlier assessment.

Ask what is most likely causing the vomiting, whether an anti-sickness medicine is appropriate, how to replace fluids, and which warning signs mean you should seek urgent help.