Buccastem®

What is Buccastem?

Buccastem M is an anti-sickness treatment. Containing the active ingredient prochlorperazine maleate, it’s effective at treating nausea and vomiting, which are both symptoms commonly associated with migraines.

Prochlorperazine belongs to a class of drugs known as phenothiazines, which have multiple uses, including for schizophrenia, anxiety (although less preferred) and vertigo. It can be taken orally, rectally (by suppository), or administered into a muscle (by intramuscular injection). For treating nausea and vomiting, it’s taken orally as a buccal tablet.

How does Buccastem work?

Prochlorperazine works primarily by blocking dopamine (D2) receptors in an area of the brain known as the chemoreceptor trigger zone. This effectively interrupts the chemical messages that tell your body to feel sick or vomit, providing rapid relief from migraine-associated nausea.^[1]

What doses of Buccastem are available?

Buccastem is only available as a 3 mg dose of prochlorperazine maleate to be taken twice a day, where you’ll either take one or two tablets as recommended by your prescriber.

How to take Buccastem

You’ll take Buccastem twice a day with either one or two tablets for two days. It’s best to take it after you’ve eaten. Make sure you don’t drink alcohol while on this treatment. Alcohol significantly intensifies the sedative effects of prochlorperazine, which can cause severe drowsiness, extreme dizziness, and slowed reaction times.

To take Buccastem:

• put the tablet into the upper part of your gum, behind your top lip
• don’t chew or swallow the tablet
• the tablet will get wet and stick to your gum by itself
• it’ll then dissolve over the next one to two hours
• try not to move the tablet around with your tongue as this make it dissolve quicker

How long does Buccastem take to work?

When the tablet gets wet, it turns into a gel which makes it easier to dissolve and be absorbed into your body. When you take it this way, it can start to work within 30 to 60 minutes,^[1] and the effects can last for 6 hours.^[2]

What happens if I make a mistake while using Buccastem?

If you accidentally take too much Buccastem, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Bring any leftover pills or the empty packet with you. If you miss a dose, don’t take a double to make up for it. Just continue taking the medicine as instructed by your clinician. If you accidentally swallow it, its effectiveness may be reduced or unpredictable. Contact a doctor or pharmacist for advice.