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Vomiting

Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. It is 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, a particular concern in hot, humid climates.

Motilium

Domperidone

10mg

Domperidone 10mg film-coated tablets, used in the management of nausea and vomiting. A peripheral dopamine antagonist that speeds gut transit.

From$0.46/ tabletView

Maxolon

Metoclopramide

10mg

Metoclopramide 10mg tablets, used in the management of nausea, vomiting and gastroparesis. A dopamine antagonist that speeds gastric emptying.

From$0.57/ tabletView

Reglan

Metoclopramide

10mg

A 10mg metoclopramide tablet for nausea, vomiting and gastroparesis, blocking dopamine at the chemoreceptor trigger zone while moving the gut along.

From$0.43/ tabletView

Compazine

Prochlorperazine

5mg

Compazine is prochlorperazine 5mg tablets for nausea, vomiting and vertigo. A phenothiazine that blocks dopamine at the chemoreceptor trigger zone.

From$0.46/ tabletView

Key points

  • Rather than a disease of its own, vomiting is triggered when the gut, inner ear, and a specific brain region send conflicting signals.
  • Gastroenteritis, motion sickness, medication side effects, and early pregnancy are among the most frequent triggers.
  • Metoclopramide and domperidone both block dopamine receptors to speed stomach emptying and settle nausea, working at slightly different sites.
  • Repeated episodes risk dehydration and loss of body salts, so persistent vomiting deserves medical attention.

What sets it off

The causes are wide-ranging. Gastroenteritis (from contaminated food or water) is among the most frequent, especially where food and water safety varies. Motion sickness is another common trigger for travellers moving between islands or mountainous areas. Other causes include medication side effects, inner-ear disturbances, 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.

Further reading