Vomiting
4 medicines
Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents, a symptom rather than a disease, with causes ranging from gastroenteritis to medication side effects and motion sickness.
Key facts
- Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents, a symptom rather than a disease, triggered by signals between the gut, inner ear, and the brain's vomiting centre.
- Common causes include gastroenteritis, motion sickness, medication side effects, inner-ear disturbances, early pregnancy, and post-operative recovery.
- Antiemetics such as metoclopramide, domperidone, and prochlorperazine block the chemical signals that trigger vomiting.
- Seek prompt care for vomiting with severe abdominal pain, blood in the vomit, signs of dehydration, high fever, or a preceding head injury.
What vomiting is
Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. It's a symptom rather than a disease in itself, triggered by signals that travel between the gut, the inner ear, and a region of the brain called the vomiting centre. Most episodes are short-lived and self-resolving, but repeated vomiting can lead to dehydration and electrolyte loss.
What causes it
The causes are wide-ranging. Gastroenteritis, from contaminated food or water, is among the most frequent triggers. Motion sickness is another common cause, along with medication side effects, inner-ear disturbances such as vertigo, early pregnancy, and post-operative recovery after anaesthesia.
Medicines that calm the vomiting reflex
Antiemetics work by blocking the chemical signals that activate the vomiting centre. Metoclopramide speeds gastric emptying and blocks dopamine receptors in the gut and brain, making it useful for nausea tied to delayed stomach emptying. Domperidone works through a similar mechanism but acts mainly at the gut level. Prochlorperazine targets the chemoreceptor trigger zone and is often used when vomiting is more severe or linked to vertigo. You can browse the full digestive health range for related medicines.
When to get help
Seek prompt medical attention if vomiting is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, blood in the vomit, signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no urine, dizziness), a high fever, or follows a head injury.
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.