Q: My 14-month-old baby vomited 16 minutes after taking bronchitis medicine with antibiotics. Should I give the medicine again?
- Myeongchan Kim, MD
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD
Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD
This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
Question:
My 14-month-old baby has severe bronchitis and was prescribed medicine that includes two types of antibiotics. I gave the morning dose, but about 16 minutes later, my baby coughed and vomited. Since there are multiple medications and the dosage seems quite strong, I am unsure if I need to administer the medicine again. What should I do?
Answer:
I understand your concern, especially since your 14-month-old baby vomited after taking a strong prescription containing antibiotics.
Here are the general guidelines for re-administering medication after vomiting:
• Within 15 minutes of taking the medicine: Re-administer the full dose.
• Between 15 and 30 minutes: Re-administer half of the dose.
• After 30 minutes: No need to re-administer.
Since 16 minutes is right on the borderline, please check the vomit to see how much medicine was lost:
→ If you can clearly see a lot of medicine powder or particles, you can give half of the prescribed dose.
→ If the medication seems mostly digested, it is better to wait until the next scheduled dose.
How to re-administer (if needed):
Let your baby rest for about 30 minutes to settle their stomach.
Offer a small amount of water to see if they can keep it down.
If they are okay, slowly administer half of the prescribed dose.
Important Cautions:
• If your baby continues to vomit, stop giving the medication and contact your doctor immediately.
• Bronchitis medications are usually taken 2 to 3 times a day, so missing part of a single dose is generally okay.
• Give the normal, full dose at the next scheduled time. Do not double the dose.
Tips to Prevent Vomiting with Medication:
• Limit water or milk intake for about 30 minutes before giving the medicine.
• Hold your baby in an upright position for about 20 minutes after taking the medicine.
• Give the medication slowly in small amounts rather than all at once.
It is highly recommended to call the clinic or hospital that prescribed the medication to confirm the best course of action for your baby's specific prescription. I hope your little one recovers soon!
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.
