OTC nausea medicine: Emetrol liquid vs chewables
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- Emetrol liquid. Best for: Nausea from overindulgence, ages 2 and up. See options on Amazon
- Emetrol Chewables. Best for: Adults who want a portable option. See options on Amazon
Emetrol liquid vs chewables
| Detail | Emetrol liquid | Emetrol Chewables |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredients | Dextrose 1.87 g, levulose 1.87 g, phosphoric acid 21.5 mg per 5 mL | Sodium citrate dihydrate 230 mg per tablet |
| Adult dose | 1 to 2 tablespoons; repeat every 15 minutes; max 5 doses in 1 hour | 2 to 4 tablets; repeat after 15 minutes; max 24 tablets in 24 hours |
| Children | Ages 2 to under 12: 1 or 2 teaspoons | Under 18: use only as a doctor directs |
Details are from each product's DailyMed label. The chewables label calls them non-drowsy.
What it is for
The Emetrol liquid label lists relief of upset stomach associated with nausea due to overindulgence in food and drink. The chewables label lists relief of nausea associated with upset or sour stomach, including from overindulgence. These are not motion sickness medicines; for that, see our motion sickness medicine guide. For nausea in pregnancy, see our morning sickness relief guide and ask your provider.
How to take the liquid
- Do not dilute it. For maximum effectiveness, the label says never dilute it or drink fluids of any kind immediately before or after taking it.
- Dose: adults and children 12 and over take 1 to 2 tablespoons; children 2 to under 12 take 1 or 2 teaspoons.
- Repeat every 15 minutes or until distress subsides.
- Limit: do not take more than 5 doses in 1 hour without consulting a doctor.
- Measure only with the dosing cup provided, and use that cup only with Emetrol.
How to take the chewables
- Adults: chew 2 to 4 tablets completely; do not swallow them whole.
- Dosage may be repeated after 15 minutes, not to exceed 24 tablets in a 24-hour period unless a doctor advises.
- Persons under 18 should use them only as directed by a doctor.
- Each tablet contains sodium 60 mg, so ask a doctor first if you are on a sodium-restricted diet.
The label notes the tablets are not a substitute for a balanced diet or for electrolyte replacement; for fluids, see our electrolyte drink powder guide.
Who should not use Emetrol
- Hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI). Both labels say do not use; the products contain fructose.
- Diabetes. Ask a doctor before use; the chewables label notes the product contains sugar.
- Other medicines. The chewables label says ask a doctor or pharmacist if you take other medications, since it may interact with certain prescription drugs.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: ask a health professional before use.
- Allergies to any ingredient: do not use.
Ingredients and sugar content
Because the liquid is a carbohydrate solution, each 5 mL contains 1.87 g of dextrose (glucose) and 1.87 g of levulose (fructose), which is why the label asks people with diabetes to check with a doctor first. Inactive ingredients include FD&C red no. 40, flavors, glycerin and methylparaben. The chewables list dextrose, fructose, maltodextrin and sucralose among inactive ingredients, along with flavor and other tablet ingredients. If you count carbohydrates, avoid certain dyes or need to limit sodium, compare these lists before choosing. The chewables label also says the tablets are intended for use by normally healthy persons only, and to read all package directions and warnings before use.
When to see a doctor
Stop using the liquid and ask a doctor if symptoms persist, return or get worse. The chewables label says stop and ask a doctor if nausea lasts more than two weeks or recurs frequently. Get medical care quickly for vomiting that will not stop, signs of dehydration, vomiting blood, severe belly pain, or nausea with chest pain. In case of overdose, contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) right away.
For other options, see our ginger chews guide and Pepto-Bismol guide. Store the liquid at 20 to 25 C (68 to 77 F), away from heat and direct light, and keep it from freezing.
What to look for when you buy
Emetrol liquid
Best for: Nausea from overindulgence, ages 2 and up
Its label lists a phosphorated carbohydrate solution with dosing for adults and children 2 to under 12.
Watch out: Do not dilute or drink fluids right before or after; contains fructose.
See options on AmazonEmetrol Chewables
Best for: Adults who want a portable option
Its label lists sodium citrate dihydrate 230 mg per chewable tablet, labeled non-drowsy.
Watch out: Each tablet has sodium 60 mg; under 18 only as a doctor directs.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What is the best OTC medicine for nausea?
- It depends on the cause; Emetrol is labeled for nausea from overindulgence, while motion sickness needs a different medicine.
- How often can I take Emetrol?
- The liquid can be repeated every 15 minutes, not more than 5 doses in 1 hour without a doctor.
- Can kids take Emetrol?
- The liquid lists 1 or 2 teaspoons for ages 2 to under 12; the chewables are for under 18 only as a doctor directs.
- Should I drink water with Emetrol liquid?
- No. The label says never dilute it or drink fluids immediately before or after taking it.
- Can people with diabetes take Emetrol?
- Ask a doctor first; both labels list diabetes as a reason to ask before use.
- Does Emetrol make you drowsy?
- The chewables carton describes them as non-drowsy; check the label of the exact product you buy.
Sources
- Emetrol (phosphorated carbohydrate solution) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Emetrol Chewables (sodium citrate dihydrate) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine