Stomach Flu Treatments and Medications

Stomach flu can refer to a variety of digestive problems, including viral infections and food poisoning. However, most cases are viral gastroenteritis, which can cause symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. It usually resolves on its own within a few days, but symptoms can still be serious, especially dehydration in older adults or younger children. Treatment usually involves resting and drinking enough fluids. Seek medical help if you can’t keep fluids down, experience signs of dehydration, or see blood in your stool or vomit.

How is the stomach flu diagnosed?

Stomach flu can be diagnosed by a healthcare provider based on symptoms and medical history. The most common symptom used to diagnose stomach flu is sudden, watery diarrhea, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and fever. Although lab tests aren’t needed, a visit with a healthcare provider may include:

• A medical history review: A healthcare provider may ask how long you've been sick, whether others around you have the same symptoms, and whether you’ve traveled recently.

• A physical exam: In many cases, a physical exam can check for signs of dehydration, such as sunken eyes, a dry mouth, and drowsiness.

• Stool or blood tests, if needed: These aren't necessary for viral gastroenteritis, but they may help rule out a bacterial or parasitic infection.

If symptoms are severe or last more than a few days, it’s important to contact a healthcare provider. With the right diagnosis, the most appropriate treatment can be recommended sooner. 

Stomach flu treatment options

Most cases of viral gastroenteritis get better on their own, usually within a few days. Therefore, treatment mainly focuses on managing symptoms and preventing dehydration. That can mean drinking oral rehydration solutions and resting alongside over-the-counter or prescription drugs to help control nausea or diarrhea. A healthcare provider can help recommend treatments based on a person’s age, the risk of severe dehydration, and the person’s other medical conditions. In severe cases, a hospital visit may be needed for IV fluids, especially in infants and older adults. 

Types of stomach flu medication

Although viral gastroenteritis can go away without any medication, some over-the-counter medicines can help relieve symptoms. Severe cases may require more intensive measures for dehydration. 

Oral rehydration solutions

Oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte and Ensure Rapid Hydration can help replace fluids and electrolytes lost to vomiting or diarrhea. The electrolytes in many oral rehydration solutions are balanced to make sure fluids are absorbed efficiently. While these solutions may be more effective than sports drinks, plain fluids or diluted apple juice are usually enough for mild gastroenteritis.

Antiemetics

Antiemetics (anti-nausea medications) reduce nausea and vomiting by calming the part of the brain responsible for the vomiting reflex. For mild cases, over-the-counter options, such as dimenhydrinate and meclizine, can help keep nausea and vomiting in check. If severe dehydration is a problem, a healthcare provider may prescribe a stronger antiemetic such as Zofran (ondansetron), Reglan (metoclopramide), or Compazine (prochlorperazine). Ondansetron has been studied for gastroenteritis and can reduce the need for IV fluids or a hospital stay.

Antidiarrheal agents

As a general rule, people with mild gastroenteritis who can stay hydrated don’t need to take antidiarrheal drugs. If severe diarrhea occurs, however, over-the-counter options can help. Imodium A-D (loperamide) slows movement in the colon, while Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) coats the intestinal lining and helps reduce inflammation in the gut. 

Over-the-counter stomach flu medicine

Most stomach flu medicine can be purchased over the counter. Anti-nausea medications like dimenhydrinate and antidiarrheals like loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate can help manage symptoms. For pain or fever, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is a preferred option over NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin, which can irritate the stomach. 

Loperamide should not be given to children, and antidiarrheals should be avoided if there is bloody diarrhea or a high fever, as these could indicate a bacterial infection. Do not give bismuth subsalicylate or aspirin to children or teens with a viral illness due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. This condition can cause serious and even fatal liver and brain damage in children.

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