Food poisoning, also known as foodborne illness, is caused by consuming contaminated food or drink. It can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever that start within hours or days of eating contaminated food. While most cases of food poisoning resolve on their own without treatment, medicines can help relieve symptoms and prevent dehydration from fluid losses due to vomiting and diarrhea.
Antidiarrheal Medications
Antidiarrheal medications can help treat diarrhea caused by food poisoning. Some commonly used antidiarrheal medicines include:
- Loperamide (Imodium): This medicine works by slowing down movement in the intestines to allow more time for water absorption. The recommended dose for adults is 4 mg (2 capsules) after the first loose stool, followed by 2 mg after each subsequent loose stool, up to 16 mg (8 capsules) per day.
- Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol): This medication helps treat diarrhea by reducing inflammation and excess fluid secretion in the intestines. The typical dosage is 2 tablets or 30 mL of liquid every 30-60 minutes as needed, up to 8 doses in 24 hours.
- Attapulgite (Kaopectate): Attapulgite is a type of clay that helps treat diarrhea by absorbing fluid to form a gel-like stool. The standard dose is one to two tablespoons, or 15-30 mL, after each loose stool.
These medicines can help restore normal bowel movements and reduce the frequency of diarrhea during food poisoning. However, they should be used for less than 48 hours to avoid complications like constipation or impaired absorption of medications.
Anti-Nausea Medications
Medications that help control nausea and vomiting are also useful for managing symptoms of food poisoning. Some prescription and over-the-counter options include:
- Promethazine (Phenergan): This is an antihistamine that blocks the effects of nausea-inducing chemicals in the body. The typical dosage for adults is 12.5 to 25 mg taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
- Ondansetron (Zofran): Ondansetron is a medication that blocks serotonin receptors to reduce nausea and vomiting. The standard dose for adults is 4 to 8 mg dissolved on the tongue every 8 hours as needed.
- Prochlorperazine (Compro): As a dopamine receptor blocker, this drug helps control nausea by inhibiting dopamine’s effects on the brain. The recommended dosage is 5 to 10 mg taken orally every 6 to 8 hours.
- Ginger: Consuming ginger tea, capsules, or candies made from real ginger root may help relieve nausea from food poisoning. The suggested dosage for capsules is 250-500 mg every 4 hours.
These medications should help alleviate nausea and vomiting, which can lead to fluid loss and dehydration. However, they may cause side effects like drowsiness in some individuals.
IV Fluids
In cases of severe food poisoning accompanied by profuse vomiting or diarrhea, intravenous (IV) fluid replacement may be necessary. IV fluids help:
- Rehydrate the body when oral fluid intake is inadequate
- Restore electrolyte balance
- Prevent dangerous complications like low blood pressure, kidney failure, seizures, or coma
The type of IV fluid given depends on the individual’s condition and laboratory test results. Isotonic saline solutions or Ringer’s lactate solution are commonly used to restore fluids and electrolyte levels in food poisoning patients. Your doctor can administer IV fluids if you are significantly dehydrated and unable to keep down oral fluids.
Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may provide relief from abdominal cramps and body aches that can accompany food poisoning. Follow dosage instructions on the bottle or check with your pharmacist or doctor for the appropriate dose. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time necessary.
Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria and yeasts that help repopulate the gut with healthy microorganisms after diarrhea or vomiting episodes. They may help shorten the duration of illness and reduce symptoms. Some research indicates probiotic supplements containing Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces, and other strains can be beneficial. Follow dosage recommendations on the probiotic supplement bottle.
Foods and Liquids
Consuming bland, easy-to-digest foods and plenty of fluids can help treat food poisoning. Some good options include:
- Bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, crackers
- Clear broth or bouillon
- Water, coconut water, weak tea, flat soda, oral rehydration beverages
- Popsicles, Jell-O, ice chips
Avoid dairy products, greasy or fried foods, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and fruit juices high in sugar until symptoms resolve, as these can exacerbate nausea or diarrhea. Sipping small amounts of fluid frequently can help prevent dehydration without overtaxing your nauseated or vomiting stomach.
Food Poisoning Medicines to Avoid
Certain medications are not recommended for food poisoning and can make symptoms worse, including:
- Antibiotics: Only take antibiotics if prescribed by your doctor to treat a bacterial infection.
- Anti-diarrheal medication containing kaolin or pectin: May worsen constipation.
- Anti-diarrheal medicines containing bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) for more than 2 days: Can cause build-up in the body.
- Imodium for more than 48 hours: May lead to serious complications.
- Pain medications like aspirin or naproxen: Can irritate the stomach.
Speak with your pharmacist or doctor about what medications are safe for you to take while you recover from food poisoning.
When to Seek Medical Care
See your doctor if you experience:
- Blood or pus in stool
- Inability to keep down fluids for 24 hours
- Fever over 101°F (38°C)
- Diarrhea for more than 3 days
- Dehydration symptoms like extreme thirst, dry mouth, dark yellow urine, dizziness
- Persistent vomiting
- Abdominal pain that is severe or localized
These can indicate a serious illness or complication that requires medical treatment. Infants, young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for dehydration and dangerous complications from food poisoning. When in doubt, seek medical attention, especially if symptoms persist or get worse.
Preventing Food Poisoning
You can reduce your chances of getting food poisoning by:
- Washing hands thoroughly with soap and hot water before handling food
- Avoiding cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for raw meats and produce, washing utensils after touching raw foods, etc.
- Cooking foods to proper internal temperatures to kill bacteria
- Refrigerating or freezing perishable foods promptly
- Avoiding risky foods like unpasteurized dairy, raw sprouts, and undercooked meats when dining out
Practicing careful hygiene and food safety habits at home and when eating out can help prevent many cases of foodborne illness.
Conclusion
Food poisoning often resolves on its own with rest and hydration. Over-the-counter antidiarrheal, anti-nausea, and pain medications can help control symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and cramps. IV fluids may be necessary for severe dehydration. Probiotics, bland foods, and electrolyte-rich drinks can aid recovery. Avoid medications that may worsen symptoms. Seek medical care immediately if you have persistent vomiting, bloody diarrhea, high fever, or signs of dehydration. Preventive food safety habits reduce your risk of getting sick. With proper treatment and precautions, most cases of food poisoning can be managed safely at home.