Vomiting the day after drinking alcohol: what to do

Alcohol can leave the stomach irritated after the alcohol has cleared, while fluid and salt loss can keep nausea going. Poor sleep, missed food and headache can add to the discomfort. The timing may fit alcohol-related irritation, but it does not rule out food poisoning, gastroenteritis, migraine or pancreatitis. New severe pain, confusion or worsening drowsiness is not a typical hangover feature and should be assessed urgently.

Take a break from alcohol and sip water or an oral rehydration drink every few minutes. If you vomit, pause briefly and restart with smaller sips. Once fluids stay down, eat small portions of plain food. Rest in a cool, quiet place and avoid strenuous activity. Do not use alcohol as a remedy. Ask a pharmacist or clinician before taking painkillers or anti-sickness medicines, especially if you have liver, kidney or stomach problems.

Arrange urgent care if you cannot keep fluids down, feel faint, pass very little urine, have blood or coffee-coloured material in vomit, or develop severe abdominal pain. Emergency help is needed for confusion, inability to wake, a seizure or abnormal breathing. Seek advice if vomiting keeps returning through the day or your condition is getting worse rather than gradually improving.

Ask whether dehydration needs treatment, whether another illness could explain the timing, and which medicines you can take safely. Note your last drink, the number of vomiting episodes, fluid intake, urine changes, abdominal pain and any fever or diarrhoea.