Self-Care for Vomiting and Diarrhea

Choose clear liquids, such as water or broth.

Don’t have drinks with a lot of sugar in them. This includes juice and soda. These can make diarrhea worse.

Don’t have drinks with caffeine and alcohol.

If you have severe vomiting or diarrhea, don’t drink sports drinks or electrolyte drinks. These don’t have the right mix of water, sugar, and minerals. They can make the symptoms worse. Try an oral rehydration solution. 

Suck on ice chips if nausea makes it hard for you to drink.

As nausea eases and your appetite comes back, slowly go back to your normal diet.

Ask your provider if you should not eat certain foods.

Don’t use medicines to stop diarrhea or vomiting unless your provider tells you to do so. Vomiting and diarrhea can help your body get rid of harmful substances.

Some medicines can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Talk with your provider about all medicines you take. Ask which ones may cause these symptoms.

Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can bother your stomach. Don’t use them when you have an upset stomach.

Some over-the-counter medicines can help control nausea. Others can help soothe an upset stomach. Ask your provider which medicines may help you.

Bloody or black vomit or poop

Severe, steady belly pain

Vomiting with a bad headache or stiff neck

Vomiting after a head injury

Vomiting and diarrhea together for more than 1 hour

Can’t sip liquids after more than 12 hours

Vomiting that lasts more than 24 hours

Severe diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days

Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised

Yellow color to your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice)

Can’t pee 

Can’t keep down some oral medicines, such as those for seizures or heart problems