Why won t doctors prescribe anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea medications for vomiting and diarrhea?
Usually vomiting and diarrhea are caused by viruses and are short-lived (8-24 hours). Vomiting and diarrhea is the body s way of getting rid of the virus. Anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea medications can actually prolong and/or worsen your child s symptoms. Refer to instructions under “Sick Child – Vomiting and Diarrhea” When vomiting has continued too long and/or has led to dehydration, then a doctor may prescribe anti-nausea medications but this decision is made on each individual case. When diarrhea continues even though your child seems to “have gotten over the flu” – his/her energy level and appetite have returned, no fever, no vomiting – then you may use Pepto-Bismol as directed on the bottle. Often the diarrhea is prolonged because your child s diet has been advanced too quickly to regular foods.
