Q: My child threw up 30 minutes after taking antibiotics. Should I give the dose again?
- Myeongchan Kim, MD
- 20 minutes 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 child threw up about 30 minutes after taking their antibiotics. The prescription says to take it twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Should I give them another dose of the medicine right now?
Answer:
It is completely understandable to be worried when your child vomits after taking medication. Here is a general medical guideline for re-dosing after vomiting:
Vomiting within 15 minutes: Give the full dose again.
Vomiting between 15 to 30 minutes: Give half of the dose again.
Vomiting after 30 minutes: Do not give another dose.
Since about 30 minutes have passed, it is highly likely that the medication has already been absorbed by the body to some extent. Because of this, it is generally recommended not to administer another dose right now.
Managing the Next Dose:
Simply give the usual prescribed dose at the next regularly scheduled time (in the evening).
Giving the medicine with food can help prevent stomach upset and vomiting.
You can try giving the medication with a small amount of yogurt or porridge to make it easier for your child to digest and keep down.
When to Contact Your Doctor:
Please reach out to your pediatrician or visit a clinic if:
Your child vomits every time they take the medicine.
Continuous vomiting makes it impossible to properly administer the medication.
Your child's illness or symptoms worsen.
Taking antibiotics consistently on schedule is very important for proper recovery. If the vomiting continues, please consult your doctor so they can consider prescribing a different formulation or discuss alternative ways to administer the medication.
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.
