Vomiting after drinking alcohol: what to know

Alcohol can inflame the stomach lining and affect the signals that control nausea. It can also increase fluid loss, leaving you thirsty, dizzy or weak. Vomiting may follow a large amount of alcohol, but food poisoning, gastroenteritis, migraine or pancreatitis can also cause it. Alcohol does not prove which condition is responsible. Severe upper-abdominal pain that travels to the back needs prompt assessment because pancreatitis is one possible cause.

Stop drinking alcohol and rest somewhere safe. Take small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink; large gulps can trigger more vomiting. When fluids stay down, try bland foods such as toast, rice or soup. Avoid more alcohol and avoid driving while unwell. Keep someone nearby if you are very drowsy, and place a person who is vomiting on their side rather than flat on their back.

Seek emergency help if the person is difficult to wake, confused, breathing abnormally, has a seizure, vomits blood, has severe abdominal pain, or cannot keep fluids down. Get medical advice for repeated vomiting, faintness, very little urine, worsening weakness or symptoms that do not settle. These signs can indicate dangerous dehydration, alcohol poisoning or another acute illness.

Ask what may have triggered the vomiting, whether your fluid loss needs treatment, and which medicines are safe for your stomach. Tell the clinician how much you drank, when vomiting began, whether other people became ill, and whether you have pain, fever, confusion or blood in the vomit.