In my articles “Nausea and Vomiting, it’s the Pits” and “Nausea and Vomiting Caused by a Stomach Bug”, I explained what may cause a “stomach bug” and what OTC medications may help control your symptoms.  In this article, I’m going to tell you how to take the OTC medications that might help treat your nausea and vomiting.

 

*First up, Emetrol Syrup…..

 

If you are going to take Emetrol Syrup, it will work best if you do not drink any kind of fluids right before or after taking it.  Also, do not water it down because it may not work as well.

 

THE ADULT DOSE: Take 1 to 2 tablespoons every 15 minutes or until you feel better, but do not go over 5 doses in 1 hour (children ages 2 to 11 would take 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls)

 

You can find Emetrol at any drug store – it’s the box with the rainbow on it that’s usually located in the antacids section!

 

*Next is Pepto-Bismol…..

 

Pepto-Bismol is for people ages 12 and older.  It comes in a chewable tablet or a suspension, and neither contains sugar so it’s safe for patients with diabetes (unlike Emetrol because of all the sugar in it!).  Pepto should not be taken for more than 2 days. 

 

THE DOSE: Take 2 tablespoons every 30 minutes to 1 hour as needed.  The most you can take is 16 tablespoons in 24 hours.

 

*Now for Zantac……

 

It is not a good idea to use Zantac in children younger than 12 years old, but it is okay to give to an elderly person.  You can take it with or without food, and it would be best if you can get down a whole glass of water with it.  It is available over-the-counter (OTC) as a 75mg and 150mg tablet.

 

THE DOSE: Take 75mg to 150mg by mouth once or twice daily.

 

 *Time for Ginger…..

 

Since ginger is available in a lot of different forms, I’m going to stick with talking about the most popular form – the capsule.  There is usually 500mg of ginger per capsule.  Ginger is actually more appropriate for morning or motion sickness, but it may be worth trying it for your nausea/vomiting brought on by a “stomach bug”. 

 

THE DOSE: Take 1 to 2 capsules by mouth every 6 hours as needed.  Do not take more than 4000mg (8 capsules) per day.

 

*Lastly, Pedialyte…..

 

If you are vomiting, you should definitely drink liquids to keep from losing too much water.  Pedialyte is the best option because it is made of water and nutrients (which you lose a lot of when vomiting).  If a child is vomiting, you should not give them Pedialyte until they have seen a doctor.  Pedialyte may taste better if you chill it in the fridge first, and you should throw it if you do not finish it within 2 days of opening it.

 

THE DOSE: Drink 1 to 2 liters (1 to 2 bottles) throughout the day (it may sound like a lot, but even children are allowed this much after they’ve seen their doctor!).

 

As I’ve said before, these OTC medications are probably not going to help much.  There are prescription medications that work well if you really need something to stop the nausea and vomiting.  In fact, if you think you’ve lost too much water from vomiting, you should see a doctor.  Otherwise, just take it easy and take care of yourself! 

 

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