us Health & medical scares vomiting repeatedly • throwing up nonstop • cannot keep fluids down • can't keep water down • can't stop vomiting • vomiting and dehydration • signs of dehydration • not urinating for hours • dizzy when standing up • dry mouth and weakness • severe belly pain with vomiting • headache and stiff neck vomiting • vomit blood or coffee grounds • green vomit bile • food poisoning vomiting • stomach bug vomiting • nausea and vomiting adults • vomiting longer than 24 hours • unable to keep liquids down 12 hours • vomited three times in a day • possible poisoning exposure • medication mix-up vomiting • pregnancy nausea vomiting

What to do if…
you start vomiting repeatedly and cannot keep fluids down

Short answer

If you can’t keep fluids down, focus on preventing dehydration and get medical advice urgently (same day). Go to the ER or call 911 now if you have danger signs like blood/coffee-ground vomit, severe pain, confusion, or signs of severe dehydration.

Do not do these things

Do not chug large amounts of fluid — it often triggers more vomiting.
Do not try to make yourself (or anyone else) vomit on purpose.
Do not take someone else’s prescription anti-nausea meds, old leftover prescriptions, or “counteracting” remedies without medical advice.
Do not ignore possible poisoning — get expert guidance right away.

What to do now

Decide the level of urgency (ER / 911 vs. urgent care / clinician call).
- Go to the ER or call 911 now if you have: blood or dark “coffee-ground” vomit; severe or worsening belly pain; severe weakness or fainting; confusion; trouble breathing; seizure; or you cannot be awakened.
- Seek medical care urgently (same day) if any of these apply (common clinical triggers): vomiting longer than 24 hours; unable to keep any fluids down for 12 hours or more; not urinated for 8 or more hours; severe belly pain; headache with stiff neck; or vomiting 3 or more times in 1 day.
Start fluids in the most tolerable way (even while arranging help):
- Take small sips of clear liquids (water or oral rehydration solution) every few minutes.
- If sips trigger vomiting, try 1 teaspoon at a time, then increase slowly if it stays down.
If you might need to travel for care, reduce immediate safety risks first:
- If you must lie down, rest on your side (lower choking risk if you vomit).
- If you feel dizzy or weak, don’t drive yourself — ask someone to take you or call 911 if you’re unsafe to travel.
If poisoning is possible (chemicals, medication mix-up, unknown substance):
- Call Poison Control (Poison Help) 1-800-222-1222 right away for free, 24/7 expert guidance.
- Call 911 right away if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened.
Make a quick “info note” before you speak to a clinician (30 seconds):
- When vomiting started; how often; whether you can keep any fluid down; last time you urinated; fever; severe pain; diarrhea or blood; pregnancy possibility; and a list/photo of medications and supplements.

What can wait

You do not need to identify the exact cause right now.
You do not need to force food — fluids come first; eating can wait until you can keep liquids down.
You do not need to decide “ER vs. not” alone if you’re unsure — urgent care/your clinician can advise, and Poison Control can triage possible exposures.

Important reassurance

This is scary, but the immediate priority is practical: avoid dehydration and get the right level of care early if liquids won’t stay down. Needing urgent care for IV fluids or nausea treatment is common.

Scope note

This guide covers first actions only: safety, hydration attempts, and how to reach appropriate help. Longer-term steps (tests, medications, finding the cause) come later with a professional.

Important note

This is general information, not medical diagnosis or personal medical advice. If you’re worsening, can’t keep fluids down, or have any red-flag symptoms, seek urgent medical care.

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What to do if…you start vomiting repeatedly and cannot keep fluids down