Potent Drug Recommended to Stop Child's Vomiting

A young mother called to tell me her 5 year old son was vomiting, and asked what she could do. I suggested the standard of rest, sips of Pedialyte or Gatorade , and time.

Later that day when the vomiting hadn't stopped, the mother called her pediatrician and was told to take the child to Urgent Care for some Zofran – a drug used to stop nausea and vomiting.

The nurse and the doctor stated that Zofran is safe and there are no side effects. That advice is contradicted by the drug maker’s own list of possible side effects. Note that current literature about Zofran states,  "Zofran is not for preventing nausea or vomiting that is caused by factors other than cancer treatment or surgery." Ironically, “nausea or vomiting that is new or worse” is on the list. That means using Zofran* to stop vomiting could actually make it worse – but not to worry because the doctor says its safe.

At that time the child had been ill for about 5 hours. A simple stomach “bug” or food poisoning commonly resolves in 24 to 48 hours – not five. I can fully understand how we expect instant satisfaction – and a quick resolution to an uncomfortable sickness. Realistically, it just doesn't work that way. That’s why they offer a drug to block the symptoms – not cure anything.

Vomiting is what a body often does to rid itself of a noxious substance (i.e., food poisoning and flu bugs). It has always been a bad idea to block a natural body action. It reminds me our collective mania to block a fever – another reaction that demonstrates how our body is working to build its defense system. Symptoms inform us that something is happening and don’t always mean we should do something to stop them – especially with drugs that pose health risks themselves*.

I didn't openly refute the advice from the doctor’s office, but I informed mom to relax and be prepared to wait out the problem – and offer sips of Pedialyte. However, if temperature rises – especially in the presence of dry skin – get to the Urgent Care center.

I understand all symptoms had resolved by supper time that evening.

There is a place for drugs like Zofran, especially in people who are nauseous from something they can’t get rid of; cancer treatment and other serious illnesses. Without something additional in the situation, it seems highly unlikely that a child who vomits for 5 hours needs a toxic drug to stop.

As predicted, time, rest, and electrolytes were all that was needed. The little guy was ready to roll the
next day.

*Here’s a brief list of the possible side effects from taking Zofran;

• Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome: constipation; drowsiness; headache; irritation, redness, pain, or burning at the site of injection; tiredness.
• Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, throat, or tongue; wheezing; unusual hoarseness); abnormal thinking; agitation; chest pain; coma; confusion; diarrhea; dizziness or light-headedness; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever; hallucinations; nausea or vomiting that is new or worse; seizures; skin tingling or numbness; stiff muscles; stomach pain; sweating; tremor; trouble urinating; uncontrollable or involuntary muscle movements; vision changes (including sudden temporary blindness).