Feeling Sick After Taking Medicine On Empty Stomach
Have you ever taken medicine on an empty stomach and felt nauseous or dizzy afterward? You're not alone. Many people experience these symptoms after taking medication without food. In this article, we'll explore the causes of this common issue and provide remedies to help you avoid feeling sick after taking medicine on an empty stomach.
Why Do You Feel Sick After Taking Medicine On An Empty Stomach?
The sensation of feeling sick after taking medicine on an empty stomach is known as medication-induced nausea and vomiting (MINV). This can occur for several reasons:
- Increased acidity in the stomach: When you take medication on an empty stomach, the acid levels in your stomach increase. This can cause irritation and inflammation, leading to nausea and vomiting.
- Slower absorption: Food helps to slow down the absorption of medication into your bloodstream. Without food, medication can be absorbed more quickly, leading to a stronger and faster onset of side effects.
- Stomach irritation: Certain medications can irritate the lining of your stomach, causing nausea and vomiting. This is more likely to occur when you take medication on an empty stomach.
Common Medications That Can Cause MINV
While any medication can cause MINV, some are more likely to produce these side effects than others. Here are some common medications that can cause MINV:
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics can irritate the lining of your stomach and disrupt the balance of bacteria in your gut.
- Painkillers: Painkillers such as ibuprofen and aspirin can irritate the lining of your stomach and increase acid production.
- Iron supplements: Iron supplements can cause stomach irritation and constipation, leading to nausea and vomiting.
- Antidepressants: Antidepressants can disrupt the balance of chemicals in your brain and cause nausea and vomiting as a side effect.
Remedies for MINV
If you experience MINV, there are several remedies you can try to alleviate your symptoms:
- Eat before taking medication: Eating a small meal or snack before taking medication can help to reduce MINV by slowing down absorption and buffering stomach acid.
- Take medication with food: Taking medication with a meal or snack can also help to reduce MINV.
- Drink plenty of water: Drinking water can help to flush medication out of your system and reduce nausea and vomiting.
- Try ginger: Ginger has been shown to have anti-nausea properties. Try drinking ginger tea or eating ginger candy to alleviate MINV.
- Use medication to treat MINV: Over-the-counter medication such as Pepto-Bismol and Dramamine can help to reduce nausea and vomiting.
Conclusion
Feeling sick after taking medication on an empty stomach is a common issue that can be caused by increased stomach acidity, slower absorption, and stomach irritation. If you experience MINV, try eating before taking medication, taking medication with food, drinking plenty of water, trying ginger, or using medication to treat MINV. If your symptoms persist, talk to your doctor about alternative medications or treatments.