What Can Kids Take for an Upset Stomach?

An upset stomach in a child can be distressing for both the parents or caregivers and the child. If vomiting and diarrhea are present, hydration and a diet focused on easily digestible foods are key to aiding in recovery.

In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe medication to treat severe vomiting. Certain over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are also available for children to help relieve mild nausea or indigestion not caused by a virus. However, in many cases, it is usually better to focus on supportive care and rest rather than medications to manage the symptoms of an upset stomach in kids.

Can Children Take Medicine for Nausea and Vomiting?

The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend the use of anti-nausea drugs in children. However, in more severe cases, healthcare providers may prescribe medications to manage vomiting.

Zofran (ondansetron) is a commonly known anti-nausea drug in people undergoing chemotherapy or radiation. It is also used off-label (used for an indication not approved by the FDA) to manage vomiting in children with gastroenteritis (stomach virus or stomach flu).

One oral dose of ondansetron may help minimize vomiting, intravenous fluids administration, and hospital admissions in children with the stomach flu.

Antidiarrheals like Pepto Bismol (bismuth salicylate) and Imodium (loperamide) are not recommended for children with a stomach virus.

However, they can help if your child is dealing with mild nausea or indigestion that is not due to a virus. Pepto Bismol is approved for use in children 12 years and older. Pepto Kids is specially formulated for children ages 2 to 12 since the original formula is unsafe for children in that age group.

Still, you should always consult your child's healthcare provider before giving them any medications.

How to Safely Treat an Upset Stomach

Stomach upsets are common. Typically, the child recovers quickly and without severe problems. Mild symptoms can usually be safely treated at home with supportive care. If vomiting and diarrhea occur, treatment should focus on rehydrating and preventing dehydration.

Oral rehydration beverages, such as Pedialyte or Ceralyte, are recommended. These contain the right mix of salt, sugar, and minerals. Give your child small sips every few minutes. Plain water is not usually recommended, as it will not provide the electrolytes needed.

For older kids, you may give hydrating drinks such as:

• Frozen electrolyte popsicles
• Ginger ale
• Electrolyte drinks that aren't too sugary, such as Pedialyte
• Broths

It's also common for children to have decreased or no appetite during an upset stomach. Avoid high-fat foods at first because these are more difficult to digest. When your child feels up to eating, start with small amounts at first. Give easy-to-digest foods such as:

• Carbohydrates (rice, wheat, potatoes, bread)
• Yogurt
• Lean meats
• Fruits
• Vegetables

You can also contact your child's healthcare provider for advice and support if necessary.

What Not to Give Your Child

Avoid giving them foods and drinks that can irritate the stomach, such as:

• Caffeine
• Carbonated drinks
• Citrus
• Dairy products
• Fried or greasy foods
• High-fat foods
• Spicy foods
• Whole grains
• Raw vegetables
• Fluids for about two hours after the last vomiting episode 

You should also avoid giving the child any medications without consulting their healthcare provider. These include:

• Aspirin
• Motrin (ibuprofen)
• Tylenol (acetaminophen)

Do not give antibiotics to treat vomiting or diarrhea. Sometimes, it may be a viral infection that does not improve by an antibiotic.

What Causes Stomach Problems in Children?

There are many reasons your child's stomach might be feeling queasy or achy. An upset stomach can be caused by:

• Gas
• Constipation
• Food allergy or intolerance
• Heartburn
• Infections, such as rotavirus or norovirus
• Strep throat
• Urinary tract infection
• Motion sickness

If their symptoms don't go away or become severe, contact their healthcare provider so they can help determine the cause and best course of action for treatment.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Seek medical attention for stomach upset if your child experiences any of the following symptoms:

• Inability to drink or eat for several hours
• Vomiting for more than 24 hours
• Excessive irritability
• Severe stomach pain or pain in the rectum
• Blood in vomit that looks like ground coffee
• Bloody, black, sticky, or extremely smelly stool
• Severe symptoms of dehydration, such as thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, or dark urine
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Acting less alert
• Heart palpitations
• Swelling in the abdomen
• Diarrhea or fever that does not go away after one day
• High fever in older children
• Fever in infants

Summary

Stomach upset can cause pain, discomfort, diarrhea, and vomiting in children. They can occur for many reasons, such as infections (such as viral gastroenteritis), gas, constipation, food allergies or intolerance, or indigestion.

If your child is vomiting and has diarrhea, the best way to manage their condition is to keep them hydrated, feed them easily digestible food, and allow plenty of rest. It is not typically recommended to use anti-nausea or antidiarrheals in children, although healthcare providers may prescribe them if vomiting becomes severe.