Medicine to stop vomiting and diarrhoea

Vomiting and diarrhoea can occur together with food poisoning or gastroenteritis, but they may also accompany migraine, gallstones, pancreatitis or another illness. The main immediate concern is loss of water and salts. An anti-vomiting medicine may be considered when nausea prevents drinking; a diarrhoea-stopping medicine is not suitable in every situation, especially when there is fever or blood in the stool. Learn more about [Vomiting](/symptoms/vomiting/).

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. If vomiting settles, try bland foods in small portions and avoid alcohol, heavy meals and foods that worsen symptoms. Ask a pharmacist or clinician before taking an anti-vomiting or anti-diarrhoeal product, particularly for a child, during pregnancy, or if you have kidney disease or take regular medicines. Do not use leftover antibiotics; they do not treat every cause.

Get urgent help for severe or worsening abdominal pain, confusion, fainting, stiff neck, blood in vomit or stool, or inability to keep fluids down. Arrange medical advice if urination becomes very infrequent, the mouth is very dry, or symptoms continue without improvement. A clinician may need to assess dehydration and the underlying cause, including [Food Poisoning](/conditions/food-poisoning/) or [Meningitis](/conditions/meningitis/).

Ask which medicine fits the likely cause, whether your regular medicines need adjustment, and what signs would mean dehydration or a more serious illness.