The best medicine for throwing up depends on what’s causing it. For a stomach bug or food poisoning, bismuth subsalicylate (the active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol) is the most widely available over-the-counter option. For motion sickness, antihistamine-based medicines like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine (Bonine) work well. For severe or persistent vomiting, a doctor can prescribe ondansetron (Zofran), which blocks the brain signals that trigger the urge to vomit.
Over-the-Counter Options for Stomach Bugs
When vomiting comes from a viral stomach illness, food poisoning, or general overindulgence, bismuth subsalicylate is the go-to OTC choice. It coats the stomach lining and reduces irritation. You’ll find it in liquid or chewable tablet form at any pharmacy. One important caution: bismuth subsalicylate is an aspirin-related compound. Children under 16 should not take it, because aspirin-containing products carry a risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition that causes brain and liver damage when given during a viral illness like the flu or chickenpox. Always check the label of any OTC product you give a child.
Another lesser-known OTC option is phosphorated carbohydrate solution, sold under the brand name Emetrol. It works by calming the smooth muscle in the stomach wall, reducing the contractions that lead to vomiting. Adults take 15 to 30 mL every 15 minutes until vomiting stops, with a maximum of five doses per hour. Children ages 2 to 12 take 5 to 10 mL on the same schedule. This can be a good choice for kids since it avoids the aspirin concern entirely.
Motion Sickness Medicines
If your nausea comes from car rides, boats, or flights, you need a different type of medicine. Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and meclizine (Bonine) are the two main OTC antihistamines designed for motion sickness, and they differ in speed and duration.
Dramamine kicks in faster. Take it 30 to 60 minutes before travel, and it works for 4 to 6 hours per dose. Adults can take 50 to 100 mg every 4 to 6 hours, up to 8 tablets in 24 hours. Children ages 6 to 11 can take half to one tablet every 6 to 8 hours, and children ages 2 to 5 can take half a tablet every 6 to 8 hours. The trade-off is that Dramamine tends to cause more drowsiness.
Bonine lasts longer with less drowsiness but needs more lead time. Take 25 to 50 mg about an hour before travel, once daily. It’s only recommended for adults and children 12 and older.
Prescription Medicines for Severe Vomiting
When OTC options aren’t enough, doctors most commonly prescribe ondansetron (Zofran). It works by blocking serotonin receptors in the brain and gut that trigger nausea and vomiting. It’s widely used after surgery, during chemotherapy, and for severe stomach illnesses. Ondansetron dissolves on the tongue, which makes it practical when you can’t keep anything down. It’s also commonly prescribed for children.
Promethazine (Phenergan) is another prescription option. It’s an antihistamine that blocks signals related to both motion sickness and vertigo-related vomiting. It tends to cause significant drowsiness, so doctors typically reserve it for situations where sedation isn’t a concern or is even welcome.
Pregnancy Nausea Has Its Own Approach
Morning sickness requires careful medication choices. The recommended first-line treatment is vitamin B6, taken at 10 to 25 mg every eight hours. On its own, B6 improves nausea but has a less dramatic effect on actual vomiting.
Adding doxylamine (sold OTC as Unisom SleepTabs) to vitamin B6 makes a significant difference. The combination reduces nausea and vomiting symptoms by about 70%. The typical dose is 12.5 to 25 mg of doxylamine every eight hours alongside the B6. In 2013, the FDA approved a delayed-release pill combining both ingredients (sold as Diclegis), so you can get this as a single prescription instead of buying two separate products. If you’re pregnant and struggling with vomiting, this combination is worth discussing with your provider since it has a strong track record of safety and effectiveness.
Ginger as a Natural Alternative
Ginger is one of the few natural remedies with real clinical evidence behind it. Research on chemotherapy patients found that taking 1 gram or more of ginger supplements daily for at least three days reduced acute vomiting by roughly 60%. Even doses under 1 gram per day, taken for four or more days, reduced the odds of vomiting by 70% compared to placebo in some analyses.
For everyday nausea from a stomach bug or pregnancy, ginger tea, ginger chews, or ginger capsules in the range of 250 mg to 1,000 mg per day are reasonable options. Ginger won’t match the strength of ondansetron for severe vomiting, but it can take the edge off mild to moderate nausea without any of the drowsiness that comes with antihistamines.
Signs That Vomiting Needs Medical Attention
Most vomiting resolves on its own within a day or two. The main danger is dehydration, especially in young children and older adults. Watch for these warning signs that the situation has become more serious:
- You can’t keep any fluids down for more than several hours
- Unusual confusion or excessive sleepiness, particularly in children
- Bloody or black vomit or stool
- Fever of 102°F or higher
- Diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours alongside vomiting
Small, frequent sips of water, clear broth, or an oral rehydration solution are more effective than trying to drink large amounts at once. If sipping fluids triggers more vomiting, that’s when a dissolving tablet like ondansetron or a product like Emetrol can break the cycle long enough to start rehydrating.