Stomach bug medicine

Gastroenteritis often settles with rest and fluid replacement. Oral rehydration solutions can replace water and salts lost through diarrhoea or vomiting. A pharmacist or clinician can help choose an option suited to your symptoms. Medicines for nausea, fever or diarrhoea are not appropriate for everyone.

Antibiotics do not treat every stomach bug and should not be taken from leftover supplies. Some infections need a different approach, while medicines that slow diarrhoea may be unsuitable with blood in the stool, significant fever or certain infections.

Sip fluids often, rest and eat small amounts when you can. Check the label of any non-prescription medicine and avoid doubling ingredients found in combination products. Ask a pharmacist before treating a child, an older adult, someone who is pregnant, or anyone with kidney disease or regular medicines.

Wash hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and before handling food. Do not share towels or prepare meals for others while you have active vomiting or diarrhoea. Information about diarrhoea, nausea, fever and loss of appetite can help you describe the illness clearly.

Get urgent care for fainting, confusion, severe dehydration, severe abdominal pain, blood in vomit or stool, or repeated vomiting that prevents drinking. Arrange clinical advice when symptoms are worsening, fluid loss is substantial, or you are unsure whether a medicine is safe. Dehydration can become serious without obvious thirst.

Ask which rehydration product and symptom medicine fit your situation, whether you should avoid anti-diarrhoeal treatment, and whether testing is needed. Tell the clinician every medicine and supplement you take, plus any fever, abdominal pain, blood, recent travel or exposure to illness.