What should you know about over the counter medication for nausea and upset stomach?

Nausea is the unsettled feeling that you may vomit. It can accompany a stomach infection such as gastroenteritis or food poisoning, but it may also occur with acid reflux, gastritis, gallstones, heat exhaustion, hepatitis A, or low blood sugar. The symptom alone cannot identify the cause.

Different products work in different ways, and some can cause drowsiness, constipation, or other effects. A pharmacist should check suitability if you are pregnant, have another illness, take regular medicines, or are treating a child.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. Once fluids stay down, try small amounts of bland food and avoid alcohol, heavy meals, and strong smells if they worsen the nausea. Rest somewhere cool when heat may be involved.

Use only a product labelled for your age and situation, and follow its directions. Do not take multiple anti-nausea products together without professional advice. If vomiting is present, record how often it happens and whether you can keep fluids down.

Seek prompt advice if nausea persists, keeps returning, or prevents you from drinking. Get help sooner for signs of dehydration, high fever, severe abdominal pain, confusion, yellowing skin, or possible low blood sugar.

Urgent care is needed for vomit containing blood or material like coffee grounds, severe weakness or fainting, a rigid or very swollen abdomen, or sudden severe pain. Persistent vomiting may require fluids or treatment for its cause.

Ask what is most likely causing the nausea, which medicine is suitable, how long to use it, and how to prevent dehydration. Tell the clinician about recent food, travel, heat exposure, new medicines, pregnancy possibility, and other symptoms.