Buccastem or Buccastem M are dissolvable tablets used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by migraines. The active ingredient is prochlorperazine maleate, an anti-sickness medication. It belongs to a group of medicines called phenothiazines. Buccastem M is a branded version of the generic medication prochlorperazine. 

Buccastem stops symptoms like nausea and vomiting by blocking dopamine (a chemical found in the body) from reaching the part of your brain responsible for being sick, called the vomiting centre. When the chemical can no longer reach this part of your brain, you will stop feeling or being sick.

How long does Buccastem take to work?

Buccastem starts to work in as little as 30 to 60 minutes. This is because it is dissolved directly into your bloodstream through your gums.

Always take Buccastem as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended dose is 1 to 2 tablets twice per day. It is best to take your tablet after a meal. You should only use Buccastem for a maximum of 2 days. If you are still feeling or being sick by the end of day 2, speak to your doctor. Buccastem is a buccal tablet, which means it should be dissolved in your gums, not chewed or swallowed whole. Follow these instructions carefully when taking Buccastem:

1. Put the tablet high along your top gum, under your upper lip on either side of the mouth.
2. The tablet will begin to soften and stick to your gum. If, for any reason, it falls out before it begins to dissolve, put it back again.
3. Allow the tablet to dissolve completely. It usually takes around 1 to 2 hours. Most people stop noticing the tablet is there within a few minutes.
4. Avoid moving the tablet around with your tongue, or it will dissolve too quickly and won’t be as effective.

If you use dentures, place the tablet anywhere that is comfortable between your lip and gum.

What happens if you swallow Buccastem?

If you swallow Buccastem, it will still work, but it might take longer to take effect.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether you’ve taken Buccastem before, you’ll either be prescribed 1 or 2 tablets, twice a day, for 2 days. Only ever take the dose your doctor has prescribed for you.

You can buy Buccastem online through regulated websites like Superdrug Online Doctor, but you will require a prescription. You may be able to get Buccastem or the generic version on the NHS, but you will need to speak to your GP.

Can I buy Buccastem online?

Yes, you can get Buccastem through Superdrug Online Doctor. To start your order, complete a short medical questionnaire, which our doctors can review to make sure Buccastem is the best treatment for your medical history and symptoms. Once prescribed, Bucccastem will be sent to your home with free delivery or to your nearest Superdrug Pharmacy for collection.

If you have any further questions after receiving your medication, you can message a doctor through your online account at any time for free.

Can I buy Buccastem over the counter?

No, Buccastem is a prescription-only medication.

Can I buy Buccastem on the NHS?

You might be prescribed Buccastem by your GP, but you’ll need to make an appointment first. You may also be prescribed a generic version of the same tablet.

Buccastem can cause some side effects, but not everyone will get them. The frequency of the following side effects of Buccastem cannot be estimated yet, as there is not enough available data:

• dizziness or drowsiness
• dry mouth
• agitation
• inability to fall asleep (insomnia)
• skin reactions
• an increase in sensitivity to sunlight
• low blood pressure
• increase in blood sugar level
• cholestasis, a condition that causes jaundice, itching, dark urine, and pale stools
• abnormal movements, such as tremors
• persistent, painful erections or erectile dysfunction (ED)
• ejaculation problems
• irritation to the gums or mouth
• numbness, tingling, or burning sensation in the mouth
• a change in taste, such as a decrease in the ability to taste

Rare side effects of Buccastem include:

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• blood problems

Very rare side effects of Buccastem include:

• swelling of the breasts (in males and females)
• breast milk production not due to breastfeeding
• absence of periods
• feeling anxious or restless ranging from mild to severe

Serious side effects of Buccastem include:

• a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), such as difficulty breathing and swelling
• neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a condition that causes muscle stiffness, a high temperature, paleness, and a change in alertness
• fits
• signs of infection, which can cause headaches, sweating, high temperatures, sore throat, and swollen glands
• a decrease in sodium in the blood, which causes nausea, vomiting, headache, loss of energy, seizures, and muscle weakness
• blood clots

Call 999 immediately and do not take another Buccastem tablet if you have any serious side effects.

How long do Buccastem side effects last?

Most side effects will go away within a few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If side effects do not go away or make you feel worse, speak to your doctor.

What should I do if I get Buccastem side effects?

If you get mild side effects, see if they go away on their own first. You can also take Buccastem after a meal to reduce side effects. If you struggle to sleep after taking Buccastem, take it earlier in the evening rather than right before bed. You can also speak to your doctor about lowering your dose if you are taking 4 tablets a day. If your side effects bother you a lot or are persistent, speak to your doctor straight away before taking another dose. Serious side effects require immediate medical attention, so call 999 or get to A&E straight away.

Buccastem is not suitable for everyone, certain medical conditions or medications could interact with the tablet, making it less effective or unsafe. You should not take Buccastem if you:

• are under 18
• have problems with your prostate gland
• have epilepsy, glaucoma, or Parkinson’s disease
• are allergic to any ingredients in the tablets
• have certain blood problems
• have liver problems
• are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding

Talk to your doctor before using Buccastem if you:

• are elderly
• have AIDS
• have a heart condition
• have risk factors for a blood clot or stroke, such as diabetes
• or someone in your family has a history of blood clots
• have myasthenia gravis

Medications that interact with Buccastem

Talk to your doctor if you take any medications, including any herbal supplements, such as:

• tranquillisers or sedatives for sleeping, such as diazepam
• high blood pressure treatment, such as atenolol
• anticholinergic medicines for treating depression, such as amitriptyline
• levodopa, used to treat Parkinson’s disease
• anticonvulsants for treating epilepsy, such as carbamazepine
• lithium, for treating mania and depression
• desferrioxamine, for treating high iron levels
• anticoagulants for treating blood clots, such as warfarin

Other contraindications

You should avoid alcohol while taking Buccastem because it can interact with the medication. Some people have reported feeling drowsy when taking the tablets, so avoid driving or using machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Buccastem also contains sucrose, so speak to your doctor if you are intolerant to sugars.

Several treatments can help if you have a migraine, are nauseous, or both. If you aren’t sure which treatment is best for you, speak to one of our doctors.

Sumatriptan

Sumatriptan is a generic tablet containing sumatriptan, used to relieve migraines. It reduces the widening of the blood vessels in your head, which can cause a migraine. Sumatriptan can treat migraines but not prevent them. The starting dose is 50mg, which can be increased to 100mg if needed.

You can also find sumatriptan under the branded name Migraitan tablets.

Imigran nasal spray

Imigran nasal spray contains sumatriptan, which is the same ingredient in sumatriptan tablets. It works in the same way and should be taken when you first notice symptoms. The medication also comes in a nasal spray for people who have nausea and find it difficult to swallow tablets.

Maxalt Melt Oral

Maxalt Melt oral tablets contain the active ingredient rizatriptan and should be taken when you feel a migraine coming on. Like Buccastem, this is a dissolvable tablet that should be dissolved on the gum, not swallowed or chewed. They are used to treat the symptoms of migraines and the usual dose is one 10mg tablet. If symptoms return, you can take another dose within 24 hours with at least 2 hours in between.

Vydura

Vydura is a relatively new migraine treatment taken to stop a migraine when you get symptoms, as well as for prevention. The active ingredient is rimegepant, which belongs to a new type of medication group for treating migraines called gepants. It works by stopping the activity of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which is released by your nerves and makes migraines last longer.

As it does not cause a tightening of the blood vessels like sumatriptan, it may cause fewer side effects and is more suitable for people who have heart conditions.