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Vomiting — what to take?

Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of gastric contents. The main risk is dehydration. In children and the elderly, it progresses more rapidly.

Also known as: emesis throwing up being sick
4 recommended OTC drugs
8,327 pharmacies available

In short: Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents, and the biggest risk is not the vomiting itself but the dehydration that follows — which is why oral rehydration salts are often more important than stopping the vomiting. For discomfort linked to motion sickness or vestibular causes, common OTC options include dimenhydrinate, meclizine or ginger. On HartaFarmacii you can compare the price of these products across the major pharmacies (Dr. Max, Tei, Catena, HelpNet), with figures updated daily. This information is for guidance only and does not replace a medical consultation; see a doctor if blood appears in the vomit.

Data verified on from public sources (OpenStreetMap, chain websites, ANM/MS) — updated daily.

OTC — no prescription

What you can take for vomiting

Informational only — HartaFarmacii is not an approved medical site. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Don't self-medicate. Emergencies: 112.

When to see a doctor

If any of these signs appear, consult a doctor — OTC treatment is not enough:

  • Vomiting blood
  • Vomiting persisting beyond 24h
  • Signs of severe dehydration
  • Severe abdominal pain, rigid abdomen
  • Confusion, drowsiness

Causes

Viral/bacterial gastroenteritis, food poisoning, migraine, pregnancy, medications, neurological conditions (raised intracranial pressure), intestinal obstruction, appendicitis, pancreatitis, diabetic ketoacidosis.

What you can take OTC

Similar to nausea: dimenhydrinate, meclizine, ginger. For frequent vomiting, ondansetron or metoclopramide (Rx) are more effective.

Oral rehydration salts are essential. They are given in small sips (1-2 tablespoons every 5-10 min).

What to eat after vomiting

  • First 2-4h: only liquids in small sips.
  • Then: salted crackers, toast, white rice, banana, grated apple.
  • Avoid dairy, fats, alcohol, and coffee for 24-48h.

Warning signs

Vomiting bright red blood or with a coffee-ground appearance (hematemesis) is an emergency. The same applies to vomiting with chest pain, severe headache, rigid abdomen, or confusion.

Medical disclaimer: the information in this guide is for informational purposes and does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. For diagnosis and treatment, consult a health professional.

Medicines compared

Medicines used for vomiting

This list is for guidance only, generated automatically from the DCI/category match. It is not a medical recommendation — consult your doctor before starting any treatment.

This list is not a medical recommendation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Search the pharmacy

Medicines for vomiting

Step by step

How to find a pharmacy fast for vomiting

Open the interactive map and grant location permission — you'll immediately see pharmacies sorted by distance, each with its opening hours and a one-tap route in Google Maps. If it's night or a weekend, switch on the 24/7 filter to keep only the on-call ones. For vomiting most of the listed remedies are over the counter, so you can walk in without a prescription, but check stock and prices on the comparator page first to avoid wasted trips.

If you have a preferred active ingredient (paracetamol, ibuprofen, etc.), search it in the comparator before you leave — you'll see which chain has it cheapest near you and whether it's in stock. For chronic prescriptions, save your favourite pharmacy in the app and turn on hours notifications — it saves unnecessary trips, especially when treatment for vomiting runs over weeks.

See also

Related symptoms and conditions

Symptom

Grețuri

Grețurile sunt senzația de iminentă vomă. Cauze: gastroenterite, migrenă, sarcină, rău de mișcare, medicamente, reflux, anxietate, afecțiuni vestibulare.

 Symptom

Diaree

Diareea = 3+ scaune moi/apoase în 24h. Acută (sub 14 zile, de regulă virală) sau cronică. Principalul risc e deshidratarea, mai ales la copii și vârstnici.

 Symptom

Deshidratare

Deshidratarea = deficit hidric cu pierdere peste 2% din greutate corporală. Cauze: efort+căldură, diaree, vomă, diabet decompensat, diuretice, aport insuficient. Copii și vârstnici au risc mai mare.

 Condition

Reflux gastroesofagian (GERD)

GERD = regurgitarea patologică a conținutului gastric în esofag, cu simptome și/sau complicații. Afectează 10-20% din populație. Netratat poate duce la esofagită, Barrett, cancer.

 Condition

Ulcer gastric și duodenal

Ulcerul peptic = leziune pe mucoasa gastrică sau duodenală, adâncă peste muscularis mucosae. Cauze principale: Helicobacter pylori (80% ulcere duodenale, 60% gastrice) și AINS.

Frequently asked

What else do you want to know?

How do I rehydrate a child after vomiting?
Oral rehydration salts in small sips - 5-10 ml every 2-5 min.
When is vomiting an emergency?
Vomiting blood, severe chest/abdominal pain, severe headache, confusion, severe dehydration.
Can I take Ondansetron without a prescription?
No - ondansetron is Rx in Romania. OTC alternatives: dimenhydrinate, ginger, pyridoxine.
How long until it is safe to eat?
After 4-6h without episodes, start with clear liquids, then bland foods.

See also

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