Buccastem

Buccastem is a treatment used for nausea and vomiting, however it’s also been known to relieve migraines and dizziness caused by ear problems. It’s normally recommended alongside other treatments to help alleviate extremely disruptive and bothersome conditions such as traveller’s diarrhoea or other gastrointestinal issues caused by a bacterial or viral element. Buccastem tablets work on the brain to stop receptors from picking up messages that could cause a person to vomit or feel nauseous.

How does it work?

This medication contains prochlorperazine, which works directly on receptors in the brain. In particular it focuses on the dopamine receptors in the brain found in the area of the brain where the feeling of sickness and the vomiting reflex is triggered. This area is known as the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ). If receptors aren’t able to pick up nerve messages, than a feeling of nausea or sickness and the consequential vomiting is less of a possibility.

Who can and can’t take Buccastem prochlorperazine?

This medication is suitable for a wide number of people, but it’s important that you tell your doctor if you are elderly, are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, have high blood pressure or cholesterol or if you have a history of blood clotting, as you may have to take additional precautions when taking Buccastem.

You should not consider Buccastem tablets as a treatment option if you have prostate issues, have Parkinson’s Disease, glaucoma, epilepsy, liver problems or if you are allergic to the active ingredient in Buccastem, which is prochlorperazine.

How do you take it?

Buccastem should ideally be taken after food. It’s not swallowed like traditional tablets, but instead Buccastem tablets should be placed high up on the top gum under the upper lip. The tablet should be allowed to dissolve slowly for the next hour or two. Try and avoid moving it around with your tongue, as this may cause the tablet to dissolve too quickly. This should be repeated twice a day and you may choose to use one to two Buccastem tablets depending on how you are feeling.

Does it cause any side effects?

Side effects aren’t very common, but they can happen. The most commonly reported effects include: drowsiness, insomnia, dry mouth and agitation. Should any of these effects become bothersome or should you develop anything more serious, such as an allergic reaction or pain and swelling in your legs, you should seek medical help straight away.

How do you store Buccastem tablets?

Buccastem prochlorperazine should be stored safely out of the reach of children and it should be taken to your local pharmacy to be disposed of if you feel that you no longer want to use it. Make sure that you always check the expiry date before using this medication and dispose of the treatment if it’s passed this date.

To ensure that the tablets remain uncompromised, keep the blister packs in the outer box and store in a cool, dry place that’s away from sunlight.