Is Emetrol Safe?
Emetrol (phosphorated carbohydrate solution) is safe for use in healthy adults and children 2 years of age and older when used as directed on the FDA-approved label, with no significant contraindications documented for this population. 1
FDA-Approved Dosing and Safety Profile
The FDA labeling for Emetrol provides clear dosing parameters that establish its safety profile:
- Adults and children ≥12 years: 1-2 tablespoons per dose 1
- Children 2 to <12 years: 1-2 teaspoons per dose 1
- Dosing frequency: Repeat every 15 minutes until distress subsides, maximum 5 doses in 1 hour without consulting a physician 1
- Important instruction: Never dilute or drink fluids immediately before or after taking this product for maximum effectiveness 1
Mechanism and Historical Safety Data
The safety of phosphorated carbohydrate solutions is supported by their mechanism of action:
- Gastric emptying delay: Carbohydrates combined with phosphoric acid decrease gastric emptying rate, which provides the antiemetic effect 2
- Long-standing empirical use: These solutions have been used empirically as antinauseants and antiemetics, with the mechanism validated in pharmacokinetic studies showing altered drug absorption patterns consistent with delayed gastric emptying 2
Key Contraindications and Precautions
Age restriction: The product is contraindicated in children under 2 years of age 1
Carbohydrate content consideration: For patients on specialized diets (such as the ketogenic diet for epilepsy), the carbohydrate content of Emetrol must be accounted for, as unrecognized carbohydrate sources can inhibit ketosis and potentially affect seizure control 3
Maximum dosing limits: Do not exceed 5 doses in 1 hour without physician consultation 1
Clinical Context
Unlike prescription antiemetics such as metoclopramide, which carry risks of extrapyramidal symptoms (9% incidence in children), sedation, and rare but serious adverse effects 4, Emetrol's over-the-counter status and phosphorated carbohydrate formulation represent a lower-risk option for mild nausea and vomiting in appropriate age groups.
Common pitfall to avoid: Do not administer fluids immediately before or after Emetrol, as this dilutes the product and interferes with its mechanism of delaying gastric emptying 1, 2