Vomiting After Sedation: How to Care for Your Child

Every child wakes up differently from sedation. Some can feel sick, sleepy, confused, scared, or even sad. This happens because the sedation medicine has not worn off completely. Some kids might vomit after getting sedation medicine. Vomiting can last for a few hours until the medicine wears off. 

Follow the health care provider's instructions about giving any medicines.

Feeding

If your child has vomiting, follow these instructions:

• Babies who are breastfed can continue to breastfeed or take breast milk from a bottle.

• Formula-fed babies, older kids, and teens can start with clear liquids:

  • The best choice is an oral electrolyte solution. This is a special liquid with the right amount of water and electrolytes (sodium and potassium). You can buy oral electrolyte solution at drugstores or supermarkets without a prescription.

  • For babies and young kids: Look for brand names such as Pedialyte® and others. Many stores also have a store brand. Infants should NOT be given plain water.

  • For older kids and teens: You also can give apple juice, sport drinks, or flat ginger ale.

  • Start your child with about ½ ounce (15 ml) of clear liquid every 5 to 10 minutes for the first hour or two. For babies and young children, give it using a medicine syringe, a medicine cup, or a spoon.

  • Increase to about 1–2 ounces (30–60 ml) every 5 to 10 minutes if your child is keeping the fluids down well.

  • If your child vomits, do not give anything by mouth for 30–60 minutes. Then start over with about ½ ounce of clear fluid every 5 to 10 minutes.

• When your child is able to drink their usual amount of fluid, slowly begin food.

• Your child's first meal should be light and easy to eat. Try applesauce, toast, or dry cereal. If your child keeps the food down, you can go back to serving a normal diet.

• If your child is sleepy and nauseated, keep them from slumping forward so the airway is open.

Your child:

• has fever or pain

• has vomit that is bright green or yellow

• can't take small sips without vomiting

• is vomiting after drinking breast milk or clear fluids

• vomits more than 4 times in 4 hours

• is still vomiting after 4 hours

Your child:

• is pale or hard to wake up

• appears dehydrated; signs include dizziness, drowsiness, a dry or sticky mouth, sunken eyes, crying with few or no tears, or peeing less often (or having fewer wet diapers)