What are Buccastem M tablets?
Buccastem M tablets contain the active ingredient 'Prochlorperazine' which belongs to the class of drugs known as antiemetics. These work by blocking the action of certain chemicals in the brain that cause the feeling of nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting (being sick) .
The tablets are placed between the upper lip and the gum and allowed to dissolve. Once placed onto the gum the tablet dissolves slowly and the medication enters your blood stream providing long lasting relief from nausea. If they are swallowed whole they may not work properly.
They are an effective treatment for nausea and vomiting associated with migraine.
How to order Buccastem M tablets online
You can use our online pharmacy service to buy Buccastem M tablets online in the UK with collection, free or next day delivery available. We are a regulated GPhC registered pharmacy based in the UK. As Buccastem M tablets is a 'Pharmacy-only' (P) medicine a pharmacist needs to have a consultation to make sure treatment is appropriate before you can purchase Buccastem M tablets.
Upon completion of your order, our pharmacist will then review your online assessment. If your assessment is approved, our pharmacy team will then dispense your order, which will be dispatched the same day using your chosen delivery method.
How it works
Buccastem M tablets contains prochlorperazine which belongs to a group of medicines called phenothiazines. Phenothiazines are thought to work by blocking the action of a chemical called dopamine, this stops messages being sent from the part of your brain called the "vomiting centre".
How to take Buccastem M Tablets
Buccastem M tablets recommended dose is one or two tablets twice a day for a maximum of 2 days
These are buccal tablets, which are placed in between the top gum and upper lip and allowed to dissolve. It may take 1–2 hours for the tablet to completely absorb, but most people will not feel the tablet after a few minutes.
Do not move the tablet around the mouth or swallow the tablet.
Help with nausea
To help with nausea or vomiting alongside any treatment you are taking you can:
- Make sure you get plenty of fresh air
- Take regular sips of a cold drink
- Drink peppermint tea
- Eat foods or drink, drinks containing ginger
- Eat smaller meals
- Eat slower
- Eat light, bland foods (such as saltine crackers or plain bread).
You should avoid:
- Cooking strong-smelling food
- Greasy or fried food
- Eating quickly
- Large meals
- Lying down after eating
- Clothes that are tight against your waist or stomach
If you are vomiting:
- Make sure you are hydrated
- Avoiding solid food until the vomiting episode has passed
- Rest as much as possible
If your vomiting lasts longer than 24 hours, you may need oral rehydration sachets. Keep an eye out for any signs of dehydration such as:
- Dry lips and mouth
- Rapid breathing or pulse
- Sunken eyes
Buccastem M and pregnancy
Do not take this medication if you are pregnant, might be pregnant or are trying to become pregnant as the safety data surrounding its use during pregnancy is limited.
Buccastem M and breastfeeding
It is not recommended to be taken if you are breastfeeding as it can pass through your breast milk and the safety data surrounding its use during breastfeeding is limited.
Buccastem M and alcohol
Do not drink alcohol while taking Buccastem as it can lead to increase in side effects such as drowsiness and irregular heartbeat.
Who cannot take Buccastem M
It is generally well tolerated and suitable for most adults and children. However it may not be suitable if you:
- Have previously had an allergic reaction to Prochlorperazine
- Suffer with glaucoma
- Have a condition such as Crohn's, hernias or colon cancer
- Have liver problems
- Suffer with epilepsy or other condition that causes seizures or fits
- Have high blood pressure
- Have heart failure
- Have a tumour called phaeochromocytoma
- Have a history of blood clots
- Have a serious blood disorder called porphyria
Buccastem M tablets side effects
You are unlikely to experience side effects with Buccastem M tablets but as with any medication you take, there is a possibility of side effects occurring. The most common side effects of Buccastem M tablets are
- Feeling tired
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Stuffy nose
Any side effects experienced are likely to be mild and will go away as you get used to the medication. If you experience any signs of drowsiness do not drive or operate heavy machinery. Some more serious side effects to look out include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Irregular heartbeat
- Sore breasts (men and women)
- Muscle stiffness or shaking, or uncontrollable facial movements
If you experience any of the above, contact your doctor immediately. If you would like a full list of side effects see the products SPC below.
Buccastem M and driving
You can drive while taking this medication, but do not drive if you do not know how they will affect you. If you find they make you feel dizzy, drowsy or sleepy do not drive or operate any machinery.
Buccastem M Alternative
If you find Buccastem M tablets do not work for you there are other alternatives you can try:
- Cyclizine tablets
- Prochlorperazine tablets
Buccastem M interactions
If you take any of the following medications they may interact with the active ingredient in Buccastem M (Prochlorperazine):
- Clozapine
- Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as Tranylcypromine
- Levodopa
- Lithium
- Medicines that can cause the same side effects as Buccastem M as it can make them worse such as a dry mouth, struggle urinating headaches etc.
- Strong painkillers such as morphine
- Alcohol – the anti-vomiting effect can lead to a increase likelihood of alcohol poisoning as well as effecting your breathing and ability to wake up from your sleep.
You should also be aware that any herbal or alternative remedies you take may also interact with this medication and cause side effects. If you are taking any herbal or alternative remedies make sure to mention them to your GP, or on the consultation form so we can make sure they are safe to take together.
For a full list of interactions see: Prochlorperazine interactions.
More Buccastem M tablets information
If you would like more information, you can find the SPC: Buccastem M SPC.
Buccastem M FAQs
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Can I take Buccastem M while pregnant?
Do not take this medication if you are pregnant, might be pregnant or are trying to become pregnant as the safety data surrounding its use during pregnancy is limited.
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Can I take Buccastem M while breastfeeding?
Do not take this medication if you are breastfeeding it does pass through breastmilk and the safety data surrounding its use during breastfeeding is limited.
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Can I buy Buccastem M tablets over the counter?
Yes, they can be bought over the counter after a short consultation with a pharmacist, for treating nausea and vomiting associated with migraine.
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How many Buccastem M tablets can I take in one day?
Do not take more than TWO tablets as a single dose. Do not exceed more than four tablets in a 24 hour period and do not take These tablets for longer than 2 days.
Is it safe to buy Buccastem M tablets from your pharmacy?
We are a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registered pharmacy and we source all our pharmaceutical products from reputable wholesalers, the same wholesalers that provide the medicines used to fill NHS prescriptions.
If you buy them from an unregistered pharmacy you may be wasting your money at best or at worse harm yourself buying and taking fake tablets. Always check to make sure where you are buying them from are registered with the GPhC.Do Buccastem M tablets expire?
Yes, like most medicines it has a shelf life and will become less effective if it is left unused. Always check the expiry date of any medicines you are taking before you take them, the expiry date refers the end of the mon. If you find your medication has expired, you can post them to us, bring them to us or take them to your nearest pharmacy for safe disposal.
How should I store Buccastem M tablets?
They should be stored in a dry area below 30°C and kept out of direct sunlight. Storing the tablets incorrectly could result in the tablets becoming less effective.
How quickly does Buccastem M work?
You will usually see an effect after around 30-60 minutes.
Can I take Buccastem M tablets with alcohol?
Alcohol should be avoided, as combining the two can increase the chances of side effects such as drowsiness, sleepiness and irregular heartbeat. The anti-vomiting properties can also cause an increase likelihood of alcohol poisoning.
