Generic Name: phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose
Brand and Other Names: Emetrol, Children’s Emetrol, phosphorated carbohydrate
Drug Class: Antiemetic Agents
What is phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose, and what is it used for?
Phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose is a combination medication used for the relief of nausea and vomiting associated with an upset stomach and morning sickness in pregnancy.
Phosphoric acid is an antacid, while dextrose and fructose are simple sugars found naturally in corn, honey, and fruits. Dextrose is similar to glucose, a form of sugar that can be directly used by the cells while fructose has to be metabolized by the liver first.
Phosphoric acid reacts with the hydrochloric acid in the stomach and neutralizes it. Dextrose and fructose are hyperosmolar carbohydrate solutions that have a direct effect on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract wall and reduce GI smooth muscle contraction. The combination drug reduces stomach acidity and relieves nausea resulting from GI muscle contractions. Phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose is available over the counter (OTC).
What are the side effects of phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose?
Who should not take phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose?
- Do not take phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose if you are allergic to any of the components in the formulation.
- Do not use phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose if you have hereditary fructose intolerance.
- Check with your healthcare provider before using, if you are diabetic. The sugars in the medication can increase blood glucose levels.
- Do not administer to children below 2 years of age.
- Antacids including phosphoric acid can alter the pH level in the stomach which may interfere with the absorption of some drugs, if taken concurrently.
Common side effects of phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose include:
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:
- Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
- Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
- Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
- Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.
This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What are the dosages of phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose?
Phosphoric Acid/Dextrose/Fructose
Oral Solution
- (21.5 mg/1.87 g/1.87 g)/5 mL
Nausea
- Indicated for relief of upset stomach associated with nausea
Adult:
- 15 to 30 mL; repeat dose every 15 minutes until distress subsides
- Do not take more than 5 doses in 1 hour
Pediatric:
- Children below 2 years: Safety and efficacy not established
- Children 2-12 years: 5-10 mL orally; may repeat every 15 minutes until symptoms subside; do not take more than 5 doses in 1 hour
- Children 12 years and above: 15 to 30 mL; repeat dose every 15 minutes until distress subsides; do not take more than 5 doses in 1 hour
- For maximum effectiveness do not dilute or drink fluids of any kind immediately before or after taking this product
Overdose
- There is no information on phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose overdose. In the event of an overdose, report your symptoms to Poison Control.

QUESTION
Pancreatitis is inflammation of an organ in the abdomen called the pancreas. See AnswerWhat drugs interact with phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose?
Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.
- Phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose has no listed severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs.
The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.
It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions about the medication.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose may be acceptable for treating pregnancy-related morning sickness.
- There is inadequate information on the safety of phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose use by nursing mothers. Use with caution.
- Check with your healthcare provider before taking any OTC drug, including phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What else should I know about phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose?
- Take phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose exactly as prescribed or as per label directions.
- Avoid drinking fluids for at least 15 minutes after taking the drug.
- Phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose is only for temporary relief of nausea from minor stomach upset. Stop use and seek medical help if:
- Symptoms persist, return or worsen
- You require more than 5 doses in an hour
- Store safely out of reach of children.
Health News
- From a Lock of Hair, Beethoven's Genome Gives Clues to Health, Family
- Feds Propose Overhaul of U.S. Organ Transplant System
- New Parasite Is Killing Sea Otters, and Might Pose Threat to People
- When Kids Lose a Parent, New Therapy Might Prevent Long-Term Mental Harm
- New Technique 80% Effective in Selecting a Baby's Gender
More Health News ยป
Summary
Phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose is a combination medication used for the relief of nausea and vomiting associated with an upset stomach and morning sickness in pregnancy. Common side effects of phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose include abdominal pain, gas (flatulence), and diarrhea. Consult your doctor before taking if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
How to Get Rid of Nausea and Vomiting
What is nausea? Do you want to know how to get rid of nausea and how to stop vomiting? Learn home remedies for nausea,...
-
Digestive Disorders: Visual Guide to Stomach Ulcers
Learn about the causes and symptoms of stomach ulcers, and find out which kinds of treatment can help.
-
Abdominal Pain: Common Causes of Stomach Pain in Children
Abdominal pain in children can be more than just a tummy ache. What are the common causes of abdominal pain in children? Learn...
-
Digestive Disorders: What to Eat (or Not) When Your Stomach Hurts
We all get an upset stomach from time to time. Knowing what to eat -- and when -- can help keep you from feeling worse. Find out...
-
Stomach Flu: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment
Stomach flu symptoms need treatment if vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration are severe. Stomach flu is contagious and some cases...
-
Digestive Disorders: Reasons Your Stomach Hurts
A belly ache can be a sign of so many things -- some serious, some not-so-serious. Check out a few possibilities.
-
Stomach Pain Quiz: Nausea & Other Causes
Tummy Troubles? Get a better idea of what's causing the nausea, vomiting, bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, pain, and other...
-
Pregnancy: What Foods Make Morning Sickness Worse?
What to know about foods that make morning sickness worse. Learn about the foods to have and avoid if you have morning sickness....
-
Picture of Stomach
The stomach is a muscular sac located on the left side of the upper abdomen. See a picture of the Stomach and learn more about...
-
Digestive Disorders: Foods That Help or Hurt Tummy Cramps
What you eat can affect your cramps -- for better or for worse. Here are the best and worst foods and drinks for when you’re in...
Related Disease Conditions
-
Stomach Flu (Gastroenteritis)
Stomach flu (gastroenteritis) is a term referred used to describe a variety of gastrointestinal problems. The most common signs and symptoms of gastroenteritis are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The most common cause of gastroenteritis in the United States is Norovirus. Other causes of gastroenteritis include Rotavirus, Astrovirus, Adenovirus, and Sapovirus. There are bacterial causes of gastroenteritis such as Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter Aeromonas, E. coli, Clostridium, Vibrio, Campylobacter, and Yersinia spp. Parasites that cause gastroenteritis include Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, and Entamoeba. Treatment for gastroenteritis is generally home remedies such as keeping hydrated to prevent dehydration. At times, hospitalization may be necessary if dehydration occurs.
-
Stomach Flu vs. Food Poisoning
The stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis) and food poisoning are not the same infections. However, they do have a few similar symptoms, for example: Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Fever Abdominal (stomach) pain and cramping. Symptoms and signs of food poisoning show up earlier (2 hours up to a couple of days) in comparison to the stomach flu in which symptoms may take 4 hours up to 48 hours (2 days) before symptoms begin. Medical treatment for the stomach flu and food poisoning generally is not necessary. A bland diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and rest may be the only treatment necessary.
-
Why Do I Wake Up Feeling Nauseated?
Here are 12 causes of waking up feeling nauseated in the morning, which include low blood sugar levels, GERD, constipation, and pregnancy (morning sickness).
-
Indigestion (Dyspepsia, Upset Stomach Pain)
Indigestion (dyspepsia, upset stomach) can be caused by problems related to, or not related to the gastrointestinal tract. Signs and symptoms are upper abdominal pain, belching, nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, and abdominal distention. Treatment depends upon the cause.
-
What Relieves Nausea Fast?
Nausea can be relieved with ginger, mint, lemon, acupressure, deep breathing exercises, and other home remedies. Learn about what causes nausea and when to call a doctor.
-
Is the Stomach Flu Contagious?
The stomach flu or gastroenteritis is caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. Learn about how it is spread and how you can prevent infection.
-
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of many conditions including motion sickness, pregnancy, emotional stress, gallbladder disease, and other illnesses. Learn about causes, treatment, and when to be concerned.
-
How Do I Regain Strength After Vomiting?
Several disorders of the digestive system, nervous system, and balance-related issues can make you throw up. Regain strength after vomiting by replenishing fluids and electrolytes and eating a bland diet while you recover.
-
What Causes Stomach Pain in Girls?
Causes of stomach pain in females range from urinary tract infections and menstrual cramps to constipation and other digestive disorders.
-
How Do You Settle Your Stomach After Vomiting?
Vomiting can be a disarming — sometimes even violent — experience. Settle your stomach after vomiting by slowly easing your way into drinking clear fluids and eating mild foods.
-
Are Eggs Good for an Upset Stomach?
Eggs are one of the most popular breakfast foods. They have been rightly considered a powerhouse of nutrients. If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), eggs may worsen your cramps and bloating.
-
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS)
Cyclic vomiting syndrome is a condition in which affected individuals have severe nausea and vomiting that come in cycles. Researchers believe that cyclic vomiting syndrome and migraine headaches are related. Triggers of cyclic vomiting syndrome are emotional stress and infections. People with cyclic vomiting syndrome are at an increased risk of dehydration. Cyclic vomiting syndrome is difficult to diagnose. Treatment varies from person to person, but is generally directed toward relief of the symptoms of the condition.
-
Does Throwing Up Help Morning Sickness?
-
Can Morning Sickness Start At 1 Week?
Morning sickness is among the most common signs of pregnancy. Usually, morning sickness starts around the ninth week of conception. But some people experience it sooner.
-
What Do You Do if Your Stomach Hurts Really Bad?
If your stomach pain is due to gas, bloating, or acid reflux, home remedies and over-the-counter medications may help. Learn when to see a doctor for abdominal pain.
-
How Do You Stop Stomach Cramps?
Try following these home care steps to alleviate stomach cramps including resting, drinking water, eating bland foods and avoiding offending foods. Exercise, safe food handling and stress reduction may also help alleviate stomach cramps.
-
Does COVID-19 Give You a Stomach Ache?
COVID-19 can cause stomach ache along with other gastrointestinal issues, often the result of liver damage or medications given for treatment.
-
How Can I Stop Vomiting During Pregnancy?
Nausea and vomiting happen during pregnancy and are called morning sickness. Stop vomiting during pregnancy by using ginger, acupressure wristbands, diet management, lifestyle management, vitamin B6 and doxylamine and by managing triggers.
-
Can a Tummy Tuck Cause Stomach Issues?
Stomach cramps are the most common side effect after the tummy tuck procedure. Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen or tummy. Scarring, pain, swelling and other issues may occur after a tummy tuck.
-
How Long Does the Stomach Flu Last?
Stomach flu or viral gastroenteritis is an infection caused by a virus that infects your stomach. Although the term has flu in it, it is not a true flu. Symptoms that include vomiting and diarrhea, fever and stomach pain can last for one to three days depending on the cause. Diarrhea may persist longer, for up to 10 days, after the disappearance of other symptoms.
-
What Does Pregnancy Nausea Feel Like?
Nausea felt during pregnancy is known as morning sickness, which may range from mild bloating and indigestion to frank vomiting.
-
Can Morning Sickness Make You Depressed?
The misery of morning sickness can cause physical and psychological effects. This can also cause you to be depressed.
-
How Soon Can You Get Morning Sickness?
Morning sickness is a common symptom of pregnancy in the first trimester. Learn the signs of morning sickness, how soon it starts, and what you can do to treat it.
-
What Are the Signs of Stomach Problems?
Why does my stomach hurt? Learn about signs of stomach problems, what may be causing them, and when to see a doctor about your symptoms.
-
What Causes Vomiting? 7 Reasons Why and How to Ease It
Vomiting is a reflex directed by the brain toward the intestines to reverse their peristaltic movements to force the contents of the stomach out through the mouth. It is usually a symptom of an underlying disease.
-
Stomach Pain: Causes, Types and Prevention
Sometimes, you may have pain/discomfort in a particular part of your belly or all over the belly for a short or long period of time. Stomach pain may result from a variety of conditions including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, food allergies, constipation, stomach flu, gallstones, kidney stones and a variety of other conditions.
-
Is It a Stomach Virus or Food Poisoning?
A stomach virus is also called stomach flu or gastroenteritis. It is a viral infection that infects the tummy and the gut. Food poisoning is also often called gastroenteritis and may present symptoms like stomach virus/stomach flu. However, food poisoning is caused by consuming food or drinks that may be contaminated with bacteria.
-
What Helps a Child Stop Vomiting?
In most of the cases, vomiting may resolve without specific medical treatment. Always seek a doctor’s permission before giving an over the counter (OTC) medicine to treat vomiting.
-
Morning Sickness: Remedies and Relief
Morning sickness refers to the vomiting and nausea begins by the 9th week after becoming pregnant. Morning sickness can happen during anytime during the day. Morning sickness can be worsened by certain foods or odors. Some women experience morning sickness throughout their pregnancy. Most likely is caused by hormonal changes in the body. Natural home remedies may relieve symptoms and signs. Usually, most pregnant women with morning sickness ends in the 2nd trimester.
-
Why Do Pregnant Women Get Morning Sickness?
Morning sickness, though exact cause is unknown, may be related to hormonal shifts and the increase in or presence of certain hormones.
-
How Can I Reduce My Bloated Stomach?
Bloating can make your stomach feel stretched out or too full. Reduce your bloated stomach by taking chamomile, anise, caraway, coriander, turmeric and fennel.
-
How Do I Get Rid of the Stomach Flu?
The medical treatment for stomach flu is based on maintaining adequate hydration and body sodium-potassium levels. The treatment for stomach flu initially consists of self-care measures such as drinking fluids, replacing lost electrolytes, resting, eating a bland diet and seeking medical attention if you need to.
-
What Foods Are Good for Morning Sickness?
What foods help morning sickness? Find out how you can reduce morning sickness symptoms and have a more comfortable pregnancy.
-
Why Does Vomiting Occur? Tips and Remedies To Stop It
Vomiting is an essential response your body has to poisons and toxins. Stop yourself from vomiting by washing your hands regularly, throwing out old food, and taking preventive medication to avoid seasickness and migraines.
-
How Do You Fight Off Morning Sickness?
Morning sickness is a common problem, but it can sometimes take away the excitement of being pregnant. Here are 12 tips for fighting off morning sickness while it lasts.
-
Nausea and Vomiting and How to Treat It
There are many over-the-counter medications or prescription medications to treat vomiting. Vomiting linked with surgery, radiation therapy, anticancer drugs, alcohol, and morphine needs another type of drug therapy for its treatment.
-
Can Anxiety Give You a Stomachache?
Anxiety triggers the release of cortisol, which can cause your stomach to produce more acid and give you a stomachache. Learn about how to cope with anxiety symptoms.
-
Why Do I Constantly Get Stomachaches?
Common causes of constant stomachaches include digestive problems and underlying medical conditions. Learn about the causes of stomach pain, including when to visit a doctor and how to manage your symptoms. Check out the center below for more medical references on abdominal pain, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related diseases, treatment, diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Prevention & Wellness
- 13 Stomach Flu Home Remedies
- Is Chicken Good for an Upset Stomach?
- Is Stomach Rumbling a Good Sign?
- How Do You Use Ginger for Nausea?
- 15 Healthy Foods to Eat When You’re Nauseated But Hungry
- Does Ginger Ale Help With Nausea and Vomiting?
- Tea for an Upset Stomach: 9 Types to Try
- 6 Unique Teas That Help Treat Nausea
- 12 Health Benefits of Ginger: Effect on Nausea and the Brain
- When Should We Start Tummy Time With Baby?
- Upset Stomach? 13 Foods to Eat and 6 to Avoid

SLIDESHOW
Super Tips to Boost Digestive Health: Bloating, Constipation, and More See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
https://reference.medscape.com/drug/childrens-emetrol-phosphoric-acid-dextrose-fructose-999918
https://reference.medscape.com/drug/emetrol-phosphorated-carbohydrate-342054
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/fructose-dextrose-and-orthophosphoric-acid-drug-information
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a8469128-592a-4682-82c7-4d2a6f97a998