What medicine can you take for food poisoning?

Food poisoning can lead to diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and fever. The main immediate concern is dehydration from fluid loss. Oral rehydration therapy provides water and salts in a balanced drink; small, frequent sips may be easier when vomiting is present. Read more about [Oral Rehydration Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/oral-rehydration-therapy/).

Antibiotics are not suitable for every foodborne illness, and anti-diarrhoeal medicines may be unsafe in some situations, such as certain infections or bloody diarrhoea. A clinician decides whether testing or prescription treatment is appropriate.

Sip oral rehydration solution regularly and continue with light foods as you can tolerate them. Rest, wash hands carefully and avoid preparing food for other people while unwell. Check with a pharmacist before using painkillers, anti-sickness medicine or products that slow diarrhoea, especially for a child, an older adult, pregnancy, or a person with a long-term condition.

If vomiting prevents drinking, or dehydration becomes significant, a medical team may consider IV Fluid Therapy [IV Fluid Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/iv-fluid-therapy/).

Seek urgent medical advice for blood in vomit or stool, severe or worsening abdominal pain, confusion, fainting, very little urine, or an inability to keep fluids down. Get prompt advice for a high fever, symptoms after suspected chemical or mushroom exposure, or illness in someone vulnerable to dehydration. Food poisoning symptoms that persist or worsen also need assessment.

Ask which fluids are best, whether a medicine is suitable for your symptoms, and which signs mean you should attend urgent care. Tell the clinician when symptoms began, what you ate, whether anyone else is ill, and whether you have seen blood or passed urine normally.