How long do you have to keep medicine down after throwing up? Understanding medication absorption

October 13, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a survey of healthcare professionals, most would recommend re-administering an oral medication if a patient vomits within 30 minutes of taking it. However, the critical question of how long do you have to keep medicine down after throwing up? is complex, with the correct action depending on several factors, including the type of medication and the time elapsed since the dose was taken.

Quick Summary

The duration a medication must be kept down depends on the drug's absorption rate, formulation, and risk profile. Generally, absorption is minimal in the first 15-30 minutes, suggesting a dose may need to be repeated, but re-dosing is typically not necessary after 60 minutes. Critical medications require special attention and professional advice.

Key Points

Immediate Vomiting (Under 15 minutes): If you vomit almost immediately and see the intact pill, it's highly likely no medication was absorbed; re-dosing might be necessary after consulting a professional.
Early Vomiting (15-60 minutes): Absorption is variable during this period. For critical medications, weighing the risk of a missed dose against a potential overdose requires a healthcare provider's guidance.
Late Vomiting (Over 60 minutes): After an hour, most standard oral medications have passed from the stomach, so re-dosing is typically not necessary.
Special Formulations: Medications that dissolve in the mouth (sublingual, buccal, ODTs) are absorbed quickly and are not affected by subsequent vomiting. Extended-release drugs are more complex, and a healthcare provider must be consulted.
Always Consult a Professional: For any critical medication or if you are unsure, contact a pharmacist or doctor for definitive advice. Never assume or guess, as both under-dosing and overdosing can be dangerous.
Preventative Measures: To reduce nausea, consider taking medication with food (if allowed), adjusting the time of day you take it, or discussing alternative formulations with your doctor.

The Science Behind Oral Medication Absorption

When you swallow an oral medication, it must first navigate the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to be absorbed into the bloodstream. This process is known as pharmacokinetics. The rate and extent of this absorption are influenced by several factors, including the presence of food in the stomach, gastric pH, and the specific drug formulation. An average oral tablet or capsule may begin absorbing within 15 to 30 minutes, but it can take an hour or more to be significantly absorbed.

Vomiting shortly after taking medicine can interrupt this critical process, leading to an incomplete or missed dose. Your body is attempting to expel an irritant, and if the medication is still in the stomach, it will likely be eliminated as well. The key to knowing whether to take another dose is to understand the timing of the vomiting episode and the specific characteristics of the drug in question.

Time-Based Guidelines for Oral Medications

General guidelines for standard oral medications (tablets, capsules) can help you decide on the next steps. These timeframes are approximate and subject to variation based on individual health and the specific drug. It is always best to confirm with a healthcare professional or pharmacist.

If you vomit within 15-30 minutes

If you see the undigested pill in the vomitus or if the episode occurs shortly after taking the medication, it is highly likely that little to no medication was absorbed. In this scenario, your healthcare provider or pharmacist will often advise taking another full dose. Wait until your stomach has settled to avoid repeating the cycle of vomiting.

If you vomit between 30 and 60 minutes

After 30 minutes, some absorption may have occurred, but it is not a guarantee. The decision to re-dose in this window is more complex and depends on the medication. For drugs with a high safety margin (a wide therapeutic index) or when a missed dose could have serious consequences, a doctor might advise a second dose. However, for medications with a narrow therapeutic index or a high risk of adverse effects from an extra dose, re-dosing could be harmful. Consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist immediately for specific advice.

If you vomit more than 60 minutes later

After an hour, most standard tablets and capsules have likely passed out of the stomach and into the small intestine, where a majority of the absorption takes place. In most cases, it is unnecessary to take another dose. The body has already begun to absorb the active ingredients, and taking another dose could lead to an accidental overdose. However, if vomiting is persistent, your overall treatment may be impacted, and you should still contact a healthcare provider.

Special Considerations for Specific Drug Types

Not all medications are absorbed in the same way. Certain formulations are designed for rapid absorption or have different mechanisms that are less affected by vomiting.

Sublingual, buccal, and ODTs

These medications are absorbed rapidly through the lining of the mouth, not the stomach.

Sublingual (under the tongue): Dissolves quickly and enters the bloodstream. Once dissolved, vomiting won't affect it.
Buccal (in the cheek): Similar to sublingual, these dissolve in the mouth for quick absorption.
Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODTs): Dissolve on top of the tongue and are absorbed quickly. If you vomit after these have fully dissolved in your mouth, you likely do not need to re-dose.

Extended-release and sustained-release drugs

These medications have special coatings or matrices that release the drug over a longer period. Vomiting could disrupt this slow-release mechanism. The appearance of the pill in the vomitus can be a clue. If the pill is intact, absorption was likely minimal. Contact a healthcare provider for instructions.

Time-sensitive medications

Some drugs have specific guidelines for re-dosing after vomiting due to their critical nature.

Oral Contraceptives: Some pills have specific instructions for what to do if vomiting occurs within 3-4 hours.
Antibiotics: Missing a dose can compromise the treatment's effectiveness, especially in single-dose therapies.
Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs): Maintaining a stable drug level is critical. Your neurologist will provide specific advice.

Comparison of Vomiting Scenarios and Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

If you vomit shortly after taking a medication and can see the intact pill, it indicates that little to no absorption has occurred. You should contact a healthcare professional or pharmacist to ask if you should take another dose, but generally, a new dose is advised after your stomach has settled.

Yes, the type of medication is a critical factor. For example, rapidly absorbed sublingual medications are unaffected by later vomiting, while extended-release formulas require a different approach. Critical drugs for conditions like epilepsy or HIV have specific protocols.

Similar to pills, if you vomit a liquid medication shortly after taking it, some or all of the dose may be lost. The absorption rate can be faster than solid pills, so the elapsed time is crucial. Always consult a pharmacist for guidance on re-dosing.

You should call your doctor or pharmacist for specific advice if you are unsure, if the medication is critical, if you are experiencing repeated vomiting, or if you feel dizzy or weak.

Yes, to prevent nausea, you can try taking the medication with food (if not contraindicated), taking it at bedtime, or splitting doses throughout the day after checking with your pharmacist. Some foods like ginger can also help.

Taking an extra dose can be harmful, especially for medications with a narrow therapeutic index or a high risk of adverse effects. It's crucial to consult a healthcare provider to avoid potentially serious side effects or overdose.

If vomiting is a known side effect, your healthcare provider may offer alternative formulations or prescribe an antiemetic to help manage it. You should always discuss this with your doctor, especially if it interferes with your treatment.

Yes, the contents of your stomach can affect absorption time. An empty stomach can speed up absorption, while a full stomach can slow it down. This can impact the time window during which re-dosing might be necessary.