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Buccastem M Buccal - 8 Tablets (brand may vary)

Buccastem M Buccal - 8 Tablets (brand may vary)

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  • ✔️ Relieves migraine-associated nausea and vomiting in adults
  • ✔️ Dissolves in the mouth — no swallowing needed during nausea
  • ✔️ Prochlorperazine 3mg absorbed directly through mouth lining
  • ✔️ Works within 20–30 minutes of buccal tablet dissolving
  • ✔️ Available OTC without a prescription for adults aged 18+

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Is Prochlorperazine for Migraines Available OTC?

 

If you've ever been hit by a migraine, you'll know the nausea can be just as debilitating as the headache itself. Buccastem M Buccal Tablets offer a practical, pharmacy-available solution. Each tablet contains 3mg of prochlorperazine maleate — a well-established anti-emetic medicine that helps control the nausea and vomiting that so often accompany migraine attacks. Available without a prescription for adults aged 18 and over, this pack of 8 tablets is a convenient option to keep to hand. You can also explore our wider pain relief range for complementary migraine management products.

Buccastem M is a buccal tablet, meaning it's designed to dissolve slowly between your upper lip and gum rather than being swallowed. This delivery method is particularly clever — when nausea is severe, swallowing a tablet can be difficult or even impossible. The buccal route bypasses the stomach entirely, allowing the medicine to be absorbed directly through the mucous membrane lining of the mouth.

 

How Does Buccastem M Work in the Body?

 

Prochlorperazine belongs to a class of medicines called phenothiazines. It works primarily by blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) — a region of the brain that detects toxins and triggers the vomiting reflex. By dampening this signal, it reduces the sensation of nausea and the urge to vomit.

  • Prochlorperazine blocks dopamine receptors in the brain's CTZ
  • This interrupts the nerve signals responsible for triggering nausea and vomiting
  • The buccal route allows absorption directly through the mouth lining
  • The medicine reaches the bloodstream without needing to pass through the stomach

It's worth noting that Buccastem M does not treat the migraine headache pain itself. It specifically targets the nausea and vomiting component. Many people use it alongside a suitable painkiller — always check with your pharmacist before combining medicines.

 

Who Is Buccastem M Suitable For?

 

Buccastem M is licensed for use in adults aged 18 and over who experience nausea and vomiting associated with migraine. It's particularly well-suited to people who struggle to keep oral tablets down during an attack, given its buccal administration route.

  • Adults aged 18 and over with migraine-associated nausea
  • People who find swallowing tablets difficult during a migraine episode
  • Those who need a fast-acting, pharmacy-available anti-emetic
  • Individuals who have previously used prochlorperazine under medical supervision

It is not suitable for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or anyone with Parkinson's disease, liver disease, or a history of blood disorders. If you're unsure whether this medicine is right for you, speak to your pharmacist before purchasing.

 

How Does Buccastem M Compare to Other Migraine Anti-Emetics?

 

Feature Buccastem M (Prochlorperazine 3mg) Domperidone 10mg (Prescription)
Availability OTC (pharmacy only) Prescription only
Route of administration Buccal (dissolves in mouth) Oral tablet or suppository
Suitable for nausea during migraine Yes — licensed indication Yes — but requires GP prescription
Useful when swallowing is difficult Yes — bypasses the stomach Limited — oral form still requires swallowing

 

How Should Buccastem M Be Stored?

 

Prochlorperazine for migraines should be stored correctly to maintain its effectiveness. Keep Buccastem M below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Do not store it in the bathroom or near a sink. Always keep medicines out of the sight and reach of children. Check the expiry date on the packaging before use — do not use the tablets after the printed expiry date. If you need to dispose of unused tablets, return them to your local pharmacy rather than putting them in household waste.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

Buccastem M Buccal Tablets specifications
Treatment category Anti-emetic / Migraine-associated nausea and vomiting
Active ingredient Prochlorperazine maleate 3mg
Mechanism of action Dopamine D2 receptor antagonist acting on the chemoreceptor trigger zone
Suitable for Adults aged 18 and over
Pack size 8 tablets
Strength 3mg
UK classification Pharmacy (P) medicine
Drug class Phenothiazine anti-emetic
Preparation Buccal tablet
Route of administration Buccal (between upper lip and gum)

Specifications of Buccastem M Buccal Tablets

 

What Is Buccastem M and What Is It Used For?

 

Buccastem M Buccal Tablets contain prochlorperazine maleate 3mg as the active ingredient. They are used to relieve nausea and vomiting associated with migraine attacks in adults aged 18 and over. Prochlorperazine is a phenothiazine medicine that has been used clinically for decades to manage nausea. The buccal formulation is specifically designed for situations where swallowing is difficult — the tablet dissolves between the upper lip and gum, allowing absorption directly through the mouth lining. If you're managing migraine-related sickness, you may also find our sickness and nausea collection helpful for additional options.

 

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Buccastem M?

 

Do not use Buccastem M if any of the following apply to you:

  • You are under 18 years of age
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • You have Parkinson's disease
  • You have liver or kidney disease
  • You have a history of blood disorders or bone marrow depression
  • You have epilepsy or a history of seizures
  • You are allergic to prochlorperazine or any other phenothiazine
  • You have a condition called phaeochromocytoma (a type of adrenal gland tumour)

The following medicines may interact with Buccastem M. Always tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines you are taking:

  • Antidepressants (including tricyclics and SSRIs)
  • Antihypertensive medicines (blood pressure treatments)
  • Lithium
  • Antiepileptic medicines
  • Medicines that cause drowsiness (including antihistamines and sleeping tablets)
  • Alcohol — avoid during treatment as it increases drowsiness
  • Antacids — may reduce absorption if taken at the same time

 

How Should You Use Buccastem M Correctly?

 

Using Buccastem M correctly is important to get the full benefit of the medicine. Because it's a buccal tablet, the method of use is different from a standard oral tablet — follow these steps carefully:

  1. Wash your hands before handling the tablet
  2. Remove one tablet from the blister pack
  3. Place the tablet in the space between your upper lip and your gum (above your front teeth)
  4. Leave it in place and allow it to dissolve slowly — this may take up to an hour
  5. Do not chew, suck, or swallow the tablet whole
  6. Avoid eating or drinking while the tablet is dissolving
  7. If the tablet falls out within one hour, replace it with a new one
Indication Age Group Dose Frequency
Migraine-associated nausea and vomiting Adults 18+ 1–2 tablets (3mg–6mg) Twice daily — maximum 4 tablets (12mg) in 24 hours
Children under 18 Not applicable Not suitable Not suitable

Do not use Buccastem M for more than two days without seeking medical advice. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, contact your GP.

 

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Buccastem M?

 

Like all medicines, Buccastem M can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Knowing what to look out for helps you use the medicine safely.

Common side effects:

  • Drowsiness or sedation
  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Constipation

Less common side effects:

  • Restlessness or agitation (akathisia)
  • Muscle stiffness or tremors (extrapyramidal effects)
  • Unusual or involuntary eye movements (oculogyric crisis)
  • Low blood pressure, particularly on standing (postural hypotension)
  • Skin reactions or increased sensitivity to sunlight
  • Irregular heartbeat (rare)

If you experience muscle stiffness, tremors, or unusual eye movements, stop taking the tablets immediately and seek medical attention. These are signs of extrapyramidal side effects, which require prompt assessment. Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel drowsy after taking Buccastem M.

 

How Should You Store Buccastem M?

 

Correct storage keeps the tablets effective and safe to use. Follow these guidelines:

  • Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
  • Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
  • Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink
  • Keep out of the sight and reach of children
  • Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging
  • Return unused or expired tablets to your local pharmacy for safe disposal — do not put them in household waste or flush them down the toilet

If you're travelling and need to manage migraine symptoms on the go, our travel health collection includes a range of products to help you stay prepared.

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Your safety and success are our highest priorities. Our medical team rigorously evaluates every product and piece of advice we provide, ensuring you receive only the most effective, science-backed solutions available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Buccastem M tablets online in the UK?

You can buy Buccastem M Buccal Tablets online from Cured Pharmacy, a GPhC-registered UK online pharmacy. They are available without a prescription as a Pharmacy (P) medicine for adults aged 18 and over. Simply add them to your basket and complete a short eligibility check at checkout to confirm they are suitable for you.

How does prochlorperazine for migraines work in the body?

Prochlorperazine works by blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) — the area of the brain responsible for triggering nausea and vomiting. By interrupting these signals, it reduces the sickness that commonly accompanies a migraine attack. It does not relieve the headache pain itself, so many people use it alongside a suitable painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

How do I use Buccastem M tablets step by step?

Place one tablet in the space between your upper lip and your gum, above your front teeth, and allow it to dissolve slowly — do not chew or swallow it. Avoid eating or drinking while the tablet is dissolving, as this can interfere with absorption. If the tablet falls out within the first hour, replace it with a fresh one.

What is the correct dose of Buccastem M for adults?

The recommended adult dose is one to two 3mg tablets twice daily. The maximum dose is four tablets (12mg) in any 24-hour period. Do not use Buccastem M for more than two consecutive days without seeking advice from your GP or pharmacist.

When is the best time to take Buccastem M during a migraine?

Take Buccastem M as soon as nausea begins during a migraine attack — the earlier you use it, the more effectively it can control symptoms. Because it dissolves in the mouth rather than the stomach, it can work even when nausea is severe and swallowing is difficult. You do not need to take it with food or water.

How long does it take for Buccastem M to start working?

Buccastem M typically begins to relieve nausea within 20 to 30 minutes of the tablet starting to dissolve in the mouth. The buccal route allows the medicine to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the lining of the mouth, bypassing the stomach entirely. This makes it faster-acting than a standard swallowed tablet when nausea is present.

What are the common side effects of Buccastem M and how do I manage them?

The most common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. If you feel drowsy, avoid driving or operating machinery until you feel fully alert again. Staying hydrated can help with dry mouth. If you experience muscle stiffness, tremors, or unusual eye movements, stop taking the tablets immediately and seek medical advice — these are signs of extrapyramidal side effects that need prompt attention.

Who should not take Buccastem M tablets?

Buccastem M is not suitable for children under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or people with Parkinson's disease, liver disease, epilepsy, or a history of blood disorders. It is also not appropriate for anyone with a known allergy to prochlorperazine or other phenothiazine medicines. Always read the patient information leaflet in full before use and speak to your pharmacist if you are unsure.

Can I take Buccastem M with other migraine medicines?

Buccastem M can generally be used alongside paracetamol or ibuprofen for migraine pain relief, but always check with your pharmacist first. It should not be combined with other medicines that cause drowsiness without medical advice. If you are taking antidepressants, lithium, antihypertensives, or antiepileptic medicines, speak to your GP or pharmacist before using Buccastem M. You can browse our pain relief range for suitable migraine painkillers.

What happens if I miss a dose of Buccastem M?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case skip the missed one and continue as normal. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one. Remember, Buccastem M should only be used for up to two days; if your symptoms persist beyond this, contact your GP.

Is Buccastem M safe to use during pregnancy?

No — Buccastem M is not recommended during pregnancy. Prochlorperazine has not been established as safe for use in pregnancy, and the medicine should be avoided unless specifically directed by a doctor. If you are pregnant and experiencing severe nausea or vomiting, speak to your GP or midwife for appropriate treatment options. You may also find our women's health collection useful for other pregnancy-safe products.

What are the alternatives to Buccastem M for migraine nausea?

Alternatives include domperidone (available on prescription) and metoclopramide (prescription only), both of which are anti-emetics used for migraine-associated nausea. Over-the-counter options such as cyclizine may help with general nausea but are not specifically licensed for migraine. Speak to your GP if Buccastem M is not suitable for you, as they can prescribe an appropriate alternative.

How long can you use Buccastem M for?

Buccastem M should not be used for more than two consecutive days without medical advice. It is intended for short-term relief of nausea and vomiting during a migraine episode, not as a long-term daily medicine. If you find yourself needing it frequently, this may indicate your migraines are not well controlled — speak to your GP about a longer-term migraine management plan.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Buccastem M?

No — you should avoid alcohol while taking Buccastem M. Alcohol can significantly increase the sedative effects of prochlorperazine, making drowsiness and dizziness much worse. This combination can also impair your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. It is best to wait until you have finished your course of treatment before consuming alcohol.

What is the latest guidance on using prochlorperazine for migraines?

Current NHS and NICE guidance supports the use of anti-emetics such as prochlorperazine alongside analgesics for the acute treatment of migraine attacks. The buccal route is particularly recommended when nausea makes oral medicines difficult to take. For people with frequent or severe migraines, NICE recommends discussing preventive treatment options with a GP. You can find further information on managing nausea through our sickness and nausea collection.

How Should You Use Buccastem M?

Buccastem M is a buccal tablet, which means it works differently from a standard tablet you swallow. Using it correctly ensures you get the full benefit of the medicine and reduces the risk of side effects. Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your pack before use.

Follow these steps each time you use a Buccastem M tablet:

What Is the Correct Dose of Buccastem M?

The dose of Buccastem M depends on the severity of your symptoms. Always use the lowest effective dose and do not exceed the maximum daily amount. The table below summarises the recommended dosing for adults.

If one tablet does not adequately control your nausea, you may take a second tablet at the same time, up to the maximum daily dose. Never take more than four tablets in 24 hours.

When Is the Best Time to Use Buccastem M?

Take Buccastem M as soon as nausea begins during a migraine attack. Early use tends to give the best results — waiting until nausea is severe may mean it takes longer to bring symptoms under control. Because the tablet dissolves in the mouth rather than the stomach, you do not need to take it with food or water, and it can be used even when you feel too sick to swallow anything.

Space your doses evenly throughout the day — for example, morning and evening — to maintain consistent symptom control during a migraine episode.

How Long Can You Use Buccastem M For?

Buccastem M is intended for short-term use only. Do not use it for more than two consecutive days without seeking advice from your GP or pharmacist. It is designed to manage nausea and vomiting during an acute migraine attack, not as an ongoing daily treatment.

If your symptoms persist beyond two days, or if you find yourself needing Buccastem M very frequently, speak to your GP. Frequent migraines may benefit from a preventive treatment plan, and your doctor can advise on the most appropriate options for your situation.

Do not exceed the recommended dose. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist.

Customer Reviews

Based on 29 reviews
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7%
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A
Anonymous

No

A
Anonymous

Tablets work as well as Buccastem and arrived quickly as much needed

S
Sue EDWARDS

Didn't expect a reaction but surprised how effective it is

P
Pat W

It is great to find an easy source without trailing around chemists who don't supply it anymore. Thank you.

K
Kay Dalton

Very helpful the nausea stopped almost straight away

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Buccastem M?

Most people tolerate Buccastem M well, but like all medicines, it can cause side effects in some people. The most commonly reported ones are generally mild and tend to improve as your body adjusts to the medicine.

  • Drowsiness or sedation
  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Constipation

If drowsiness is a problem, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you feel fully alert. Staying well hydrated can help ease dry mouth.

What Are the Less Common Side Effects of Buccastem M?

Some people may experience less common side effects. These are not experienced by everyone, but it's important to be aware of them so you can act quickly if they occur.

  • Restlessness or agitation (akathisia)
  • Muscle stiffness or tremors
  • Unusual or involuntary eye movements (oculogyric crisis)
  • Low blood pressure, particularly when standing up quickly (postural hypotension)
  • Increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
  • Skin rash or itching

These effects are more likely at higher doses or with prolonged use. Using Buccastem M only as directed — for a maximum of two days — helps reduce this risk.

What Are the Serious Side Effects of Buccastem M?

Serious side effects are rare but require immediate medical attention if they occur. Stop taking Buccastem M and seek urgent help if you notice any of the following:

  • Severe muscle stiffness, spasms, or rigidity
  • Uncontrolled or repetitive movements of the face, tongue, or limbs (tardive dyskinesia)
  • Sudden high fever, sweating, and confusion (signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome — a rare but serious reaction)
  • Irregular or fast heartbeat
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • Severe allergic reaction — swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing

These reactions are uncommon but serious. Do not ignore them or wait to see if they resolve on their own.

What Should You Do If You Experience Side Effects?

For mild side effects such as drowsiness or dry mouth, these often settle without any specific treatment. Rest, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol. If side effects are troublesome or do not improve, speak to your pharmacist — they can advise whether you should continue or stop the medicine.

For any serious or unexpected side effects, stop taking Buccastem M immediately and contact your GP or call 111. In an emergency, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department. You can also report side effects directly to the MHRA via the Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.

Can Buccastem M Interact With Other Medicines?

Yes — prochlorperazine can interact with several medicines, which may increase the risk of side effects or reduce effectiveness. Tell your pharmacist or doctor about everything you are taking, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and herbal remedies. Key interactions include antidepressants, lithium, antihypertensives, antiepileptics, and any medicine that causes drowsiness. Alcohol should be avoided entirely during treatment as it significantly increases sedation.

If you are concerned about any side effects, contact your pharmacist or GP immediately.

Patient Information Leaflet

Important - Before taking any medication, it is always important to read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL)

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

GPhC Number: 2233073
Tarun Kumar

Reviewed by:

Tarun Kumar

Superintendent/ Clinical Lead

📖 Find out more about our team of medical content authors and how we ensure the accuracy of our content with our content guidelines.

Content last updated: 31 Mar 2025

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