Q: My 18-month-old keeps vomiting right after taking gastroenteritis medicine. Should I give another dose?

Myeongchan Kim
4 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 18-month-old child (11 kg) has been vomiting continuously since early yesterday morning. We went to the hospital this morning, where my child received IV fluids and a prescription for gastroenteritis medication.

I gave them the lunch dose, but they vomited within 3 minutes of taking it. I tried giving another dose, but they vomited again in less than 10 minutes. Should I administer the medication a third time, or should I just wait and observe?

Answer:

It must be very exhausting and heartbreaking to care for your child while they are suffering from gastroenteritis and vomiting their medication.

When a child vomits immediately after taking medication, here is how the absorption is generally assessed:

• Vomiting within 3 minutes: The medicine had almost no time to take effect.

• Vomiting within 10 minutes: The medicine was only partially absorbed.

• Action: Please do not give another additional dose right now.

Immediate Steps to Take:

Stop trying to give the medication for about 1 hour to let the stomach rest.
Offer 5 ml of water or an oral rehydration solution (electrolyte drink) every 5 minutes.
If your child does not vomit for 30 minutes, you can gradually increase the amount of fluids.
Once your child's stomach has settled, try administering the medication again with a small amount of water.

Tips for Administering Medication:

• Mix the medicine with lukewarm water rather than cold water.

• Do not give the entire dose in one gulp; split it into 2-3 smaller sips.

• Always wait 30 minutes to 1 hour after a vomiting episode before trying to give medicine again.

Since your child received IV fluids earlier today, their risk of acute dehydration has been somewhat managed. Right now, frequent hydration in very small amounts is the most important step.

⚠️ When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention:

Please take your child to the emergency room or see a doctor immediately if you notice any of the following signs:

• No urination for 8 hours or more.

• Crying without tears or severely cracked, dry lips.

• Severe lethargy, extreme sleepiness, or unresponsiveness.

• Bloody stools or signs of severe abdominal pain.

Continue to monitor them closely, and if their symptoms worsen overnight, do not hesitate to visit the emergency room.