Buccastem M Buccal Tablets 8s (BRAND MAY VARY)

What Are Buccastem M Buccal Tablets?

Feeling sick can stop you in your tracks — whether it's a migraine that's knocked you sideways or a long car journey that's left your stomach churning. Buccastem M buccal tablets offer a practical, clinically established way to manage nausea and vomiting in adults. Each pack contains 8 tablets, each delivering 3mg of prochlorperazine maleate via a buccal route — meaning the tablet dissolves between your upper lip and gum rather than being swallowed. This allows the active ingredient to be absorbed directly through the mucous membrane, which can be particularly useful when swallowing tablets is difficult due to nausea itself. You can find Buccastem M and other nausea remedies in our sickness and nausea collection.

Buccastem M is licensed for over-the-counter sale in the UK for adults aged 18 and over. It is classified as a Pharmacy (P) medicine, meaning it is available without a prescription but should be purchased from a registered pharmacy. The brand may vary depending on stock, but the active ingredient and dose remain the same.

How Do Buccastem M Buccal Tablets Work?

Prochlorperazine belongs to a group of medicines called phenothiazines. It works 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, prochlorperazine reduces both the sensation of nausea and the urge to vomit.

• Prochlorperazine is absorbed through the buccal mucosa (the lining of the mouth)
• It travels via the bloodstream to the brain's CTZ
• Dopamine receptor blockade reduces nausea signals
• Effect typically begins within 20–30 minutes of correct placement

Because the tablet bypasses the digestive system, it avoids first-pass metabolism in the liver — meaning more of the active ingredient reaches the bloodstream compared to a standard oral tablet.

Who Is Buccastem M Suitable For?

Buccastem M is intended for adults aged 18 and over who experience nausea and vomiting. It is particularly well-suited to people who struggle to keep oral tablets down when feeling sick. That said, it is not appropriate for everyone — always read the patient information leaflet before use.

• Adults experiencing nausea and vomiting associated with migraine
• People who find swallowing tablets difficult when nauseous
• Adults seeking short-term relief from travel sickness symptoms
• Those who have previously used prochlorperazine under medical supervision

It is not suitable for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or individuals with certain neurological or liver conditions. If you are unsure whether this product is right for you, speak to your pharmacist before purchasing.

How Does Buccastem M Compare to Other Nausea Tablets?

How Should You Store Buccastem M Buccal Tablets?

Store buccastem m buccal tablets below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep them in their original blister packaging until you are ready to use them. As with all medicines, store out of the reach and sight of children.

Do not use the tablets after the expiry date printed on the pack. If you are planning to take them on a trip abroad, our travel collection includes other useful products to keep you comfortable on the go. Check the packaging for any additional storage guidance specific to the batch you receive.

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.

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 in adults aged 18 and over. The tablets are specifically licensed for nausea and vomiting associated with migraine headaches, and they are also used for travel sickness. Because the tablet dissolves in the mouth rather than being swallowed, it is particularly helpful when nausea makes it difficult to keep oral medicines down.

Prochlorperazine has been used clinically for decades and is well-recognised in UK medical practice as an antiemetic. It is available on prescription in higher doses, but the 3mg buccal formulation is available over the counter from registered pharmacies for short-term use.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Buccastem M?

Before using Buccastem M, it is important to check whether it is appropriate for you. Do not use this medicine if any of the following apply:

• You are under 18 years of age
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding
• You have Parkinson's disease or a related movement disorder
• You have liver or kidney problems
• You have a history of blood disorders or bone marrow suppression
• You have epilepsy or a history of seizures
• You have glaucoma or an enlarged prostate
• You are allergic to prochlorperazine or any other phenothiazine

Buccastem M may interact with a number of other medicines. Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• Antidepressants (including SSRIs, tricyclics, or MAOIs)
• Antihypertensive medicines (blood pressure treatments)
• Lithium
• Antiepileptic medicines
• Other medicines that cause drowsiness, including antihistamines
• Alcohol (increases sedative effect)

If you are managing other digestive symptoms alongside nausea, you may also find our indigestion collection helpful for complementary products.

How Should You Use Buccastem M Correctly?

Using Buccastem M correctly is essential for it to work properly. The buccal route is different from swallowing a 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 between your upper lip and your gum (above the front teeth)
4. Leave the tablet in place and allow it to dissolve slowly — do not chew or swallow it
5. Avoid eating, drinking, or rinsing your mouth while the tablet is dissolving
6. If a second dose is needed, place the next tablet on the opposite side of the mouth after four hours

Do not use Buccastem M for more than two days without seeking medical advice. If your symptoms persist or worsen, consult 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. Being aware of what to look out for helps you use this medicine safely.

Common side effects:

• Drowsiness or sedation
• Dry mouth
• Mild dizziness
• Local irritation at the site of tablet placement

Less common side effects:

• Restlessness or agitation (akathisia)
• Involuntary muscle movements or tremors (extrapyramidal effects)
• Skin reactions such as rash or photosensitivity
• Low blood pressure, particularly on standing (postural hypotension)
• Blurred vision

Stop using Buccastem M immediately and seek urgent medical attention if you experience unusual or uncontrolled muscle movements, particularly of the face, tongue, or limbs. These may be signs of a rare but serious reaction called tardive dyskinesia or acute dystonia. If you are also managing pain alongside your nausea, our pain relief collection has a range of options to consider alongside your pharmacist's advice.

How Should You Store Buccastem M Buccal Tablets?

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Store in the original blister packaging until use
• Keep out of the reach and sight of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused tablets to your pharmacy