Diarrhoea, Vomiting & Dehydration Treatment for Children

If your child has diarrhoea or vomiting, it can be worrying - especially if symptoms come on quickly. These conditions are common in children and are often caused by infections or minor illnesses.

Your local pharmacy can provide assessment, advice, and treatment to help manage symptoms and prevent dehydration, so your child can recover safely.

Understanding your child’s symptoms

What is diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea is when your child has frequent loose or watery bowel movements (three or more in a day). It’s often the body’s way of clearing out irritants, such as viruses or bacteria.

In many cases, diarrhoea will settle on its own, but it’s important to replace lost fluids to avoid dehydration.

What is vomiting?

Vomiting (throwing up) is another way the body tries to remove irritants, such as infections or toxins.

It can be caused by illnesses like viral infections, but may also be linked to other triggers such as motion sickness or medications. Frequent vomiting can make it difficult for your child to keep fluids down, increasing the risk of dehydration.

What is dehydration?

Dehydration happens when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. It can develop quickly in children, especially when they have diarrhoea or are vomiting.

Signs of mild dehydration can include:

• Dry or sticky mouth
• Feeling tired, weak, or low in energy
• Headaches, dizziness, or light-headedness

When should you be concerned?

While most cases can be managed at home or with pharmacy support, it’s important to get advice if:

• Symptoms don’t improve after a couple of days
• Your child is unable to keep fluids down
• Signs of dehydration are getting worse
• You’re unsure what’s causing the symptoms

Our pharmacy team can help assess your child and guide you on the next steps.

How we can help

At Johnsonville Medical Centre Pharmacy Shop, our pharmacists can:

• Assess your child’s symptoms and hydration level
• Recommend oral rehydration solutions and treatments
• Provide funded treatment if your child is eligible
• Give advice on keeping your child hydrated at home
• Refer you to a doctor or urgent care if needed

Common symptoms we treat

We can support children experiencing:

• Diarrhoea (runny poos)
• Vomiting (throwing up)
• Mild dehydration
• Upset stomach or tummy discomfort

If you’re unsure whether your child’s symptoms can be treated at the pharmacy, just ask - we’re here to help.

Who can use this service

Your child may be eligible for funded treatment for diarrhoea, vomiting, and dehydration through your pharmacy if:

• They have an approved health need, and
• They are eligible for publicly funded health services in New Zealand, and
• They are under 14 years old

When to seek urgent medical help

Seek urgent medical care if your child:

• Shows signs of moderate or severe dehydration (very dry mouth, no tears, reduced urination)
• Is very sleepy or difficult to wake
• Has blood in their vomit or stool
• Has ongoing vomiting and cannot keep fluids down
• Is an infant or very young child with ongoing symptoms

If you’re unsure, our pharmacy team can help you decide what to do next.

What to expect

Visiting Johnsonville Medical Centre Pharmacy Shop is quick and simple:

1. Speak with our pharmacist about your child’s symptoms
2. We’ll carry out a brief assessment
3. If appropriate, we’ll provide treatment or advice
4. If needed, we’ll refer you to a GP or other healthcare service

What does this service cost?

Many Extended Pharmacy Services are subsidised for eligible patients:

• If you have a Community Services Card (CSC), there may be a small charge of up to $5
• If you do not have a CSC, there may be a charge of up to $20

If you are not eligible for funding, you can still receive treatment - standard charges may apply.

Our team will always explain any costs upfront, so you can make an informed decision before proceeding.

Get help for your child today

If your child is experiencing diarrhoea, vomiting, or signs of dehydration, early support can make a big difference.

Visit Johnsonville Medical Centre Pharmacy Shop to speak with our friendly pharmacy team. We’ll assess your child’s symptoms, check if they’re eligible for funded treatment, and help you take the right steps to support their recovery.