For most cases of nausea and vomiting, over-the-counter medications, proper hydration, and simple dietary choices are enough to get you through it. The right approach depends on what’s causing your symptoms, whether it’s a stomach bug, motion sickness, pregnancy, or something else entirely.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Bismuth subsalicylate (the active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate) is one of the most widely available options for general nausea and upset stomach. It coats the stomach lining and reduces inflammation in the digestive tract. The standard adult dose is two tablets or two tablespoons of liquid every 30 minutes to one hour as needed, with a maximum of 16 tablets or 16 tablespoons of regular-strength liquid in 24 hours. One important safety note: bismuth subsalicylate contains a compound related to aspirin, so it should not be given to children under 16 who have viral symptoms like the flu or chickenpox. In rare cases, aspirin-related products can trigger Reye’s syndrome in children, a serious condition that causes dangerous brain swelling.
Phosphorated carbohydrate solutions (sold as Emetrol) work differently. This sugar-and-phosphoric-acid liquid acts directly on the stomach wall to calm nausea. Adults take one or two tablespoons, repeating every 15 minutes until the nausea stops. You shouldn’t use it for more than five doses (one hour) without checking with a doctor. Don’t drink other liquids right before or after a dose, since diluting it can prevent it from working.
Motion Sickness Relief
If your nausea comes from car rides, boats, or flights, antihistamines are the go-to choice. Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and meclizine (Bonine) are both available without a prescription. Both cause drowsiness, though user-reported data suggests meclizine may be slightly more sedating, with about 21% of users reporting drowsiness compared to 13% for dimenhydrinate. Meclizine has the advantage of lasting longer, so you only need one dose per day, while dimenhydrinate typically requires dosing every four to six hours. For either one, take the first dose 30 to 60 minutes before travel for the best results.
Prescription Options for Severe Cases
When over-the-counter options aren’t enough, doctors can prescribe stronger medications. The most commonly prescribed anti-nausea drug works by blocking serotonin receptors in the brain and gut. Serotonin is a chemical your body releases that can trigger the vomiting reflex, and blocking it is particularly effective for nausea caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical anesthesia. These prescription-strength medications are typically reserved for situations where vomiting is persistent or caused by medical treatments, not for a routine stomach bug.
Hydration During Active Vomiting
Replacing lost fluids matters more than almost anything else when you’re vomiting. Dehydration is the main risk, especially for young children and older adults. Plain water helps, but it doesn’t replace the sodium and potassium you lose. Oral rehydration solutions (like Pedialyte or store-brand equivalents) are designed with a specific balance of sodium and glucose in a 1:1 ratio, which helps your intestines absorb fluid far more efficiently than water or sports drinks alone. The World Health Organization’s formula uses 60 to 75 milliequivalents per liter of sodium paired with 75 to 90 millimoles per liter of glucose.
If you’re actively vomiting, take small sips rather than gulping. A few tablespoons every 10 to 15 minutes is easier for your stomach to handle than a full glass. Sports drinks like Gatorade are better than nothing, but they contain more sugar and less sodium than ideal rehydration solutions.
What to Eat as Symptoms Improve
The old advice was to stick strictly to bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet). That’s not wrong, but it’s unnecessarily restrictive. No studies have compared the BRAT diet to a broader bland diet, and Harvard Health notes there’s no reason to limit yourself to just those four foods. Brothy soups, oatmeal, boiled potatoes, crackers, and unsweetened dry cereals are equally gentle on the stomach.
The real goal is to start with simple, low-fat, easy-to-digest foods for the first day or two, then gradually add back more nutritious options. Cooked carrots, sweet potatoes without skin, skinless chicken or turkey, fish, eggs, and avocado all provide the protein and nutrients your body needs to recover without overwhelming your digestive system. Avoid greasy, spicy, or heavily seasoned foods until you’ve gone a full day without nausea.
Home Remedies Worth Trying
Ginger is one of the best-studied natural remedies for nausea. Ginger tea, ginger chews, or ginger ale made with real ginger (check the label, since many brands use artificial flavoring) can help settle your stomach. Peppermint tea or simply smelling peppermint oil also provides mild relief for some people.
Cold compresses on the back of the neck, sitting upright rather than lying flat, and getting fresh air are simple measures that can reduce the intensity of nausea. Avoid strong smells when possible, since they can trigger the vomiting reflex even when the original cause has passed.
For Morning Sickness
Pregnancy-related nausea has its own considerations, since many medications aren’t safe during pregnancy. Phosphorated carbohydrate solutions are one option: the recommended dose for morning sickness is one or two tablespoons upon waking and every three hours as needed. Ginger supplements and vitamin B6 are also commonly recommended. Many pregnant women find that eating small, frequent meals and keeping plain crackers by the bed to eat before getting up in the morning helps prevent the worst episodes.
Red Flags That Need Immediate Attention
Most nausea and vomiting resolves on its own within 24 to 48 hours. But certain combinations of symptoms signal something more serious. Vomiting paired with a stiff neck and fever can indicate meningitis. Vomiting after a head injury needs emergency evaluation. Nausea with severe chest pain, especially pain radiating to the arm or jaw, could signal a heart attack. Vomiting with high fever, a racing heartbeat, rash, or fainting also warrants an emergency room visit. If you can’t keep any fluids down for more than 12 hours, or if you notice signs of dehydration like dark urine, dizziness when standing, or dry mouth, it’s time to get medical help.