Reviewed by Virginia Chachati MPharm
(2013, University College London)
GPhC Registration number: 2087654
Information last reviewed 06/07/2021
Buccastem is a tablet that dissolves in your mouth and helps treat nausea and vomiting caused by migraines.
Buccastem contains the antiemetic medicine prochlorperazine. It works by blocking the dopamine receptors in the vomiting centre of the brain. This stops the nerves from communicating feelings of nausea, preventing the vomiting reflex from being triggered.
A migraine is an intense headache with or without sensory disturbance. Migraines may cause additional symptoms like nausea, being unable to tolerate bright lights or loud noises, and having disturbed vision.
The symptoms of a migraine include:
Not everyone will experience all of these symptoms and some people may experience a migraine without a headache. If you experience visual disturbances such as flashing lights or a zig zag pattern, this is known as a migraine with aura.
A migraine is more intense than a headache and results in additional symptoms alongside the pain of a headache. It's common to experience nausea, and a sensitivity to light or noise during a migraine. You may also experience visual disturbances such as seeing flashing lights or patterns of light. This is known as a migraine with aura.
The exact cause of migraines is unknown, but it is thought to be linked to changes in brain activity. It is also likely that your genes may make you more susceptible to having migraines. There are a number of triggers which are known to cause migraines. These include:
Keeping a migraine diary can help you to determine what your triggers are, so you can avoid them.
Migraine auras are not usually dangerous. While it can be unsettling to experience visual disturbances like flashing lights, blind spots, zig zag patterns or stars, these symptoms do not last long and will only have a temporary effect on your vision. You should see your doctor if you experience an aura, so they can prescribe an appropriate treatment.
In 2016, a study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) stated that individuals who suffer from migraine with aura are at double the risk of having a stroke. However, there may be other factors that affect your risk of having a stroke. Discuss your migraine symptoms with your doctor to determine your individual risk.
Stress is a common trigger for migraines. Finding ways to manage stress and making time for self care may help reduce the number of migraines you have. Speak to your doctor, or consider contacting a therapist for further advice.
The different types of migraine include:
The active ingredient in Buccastem is prochlorperazine.
The other ingredients in Buccastem are compressible sugar (sucrose), povidone K30, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, talc, magnesium stearate and riboflavin sodium phosphate.
Buccastem should not be swallowed or chewed. To use Buccastem, place the tablet underneath your upper lip alongside your gum. The tablet will soften and stick to the gum. It dissolves slowly, and the medicine will be absorbed through your gum into your bloodstream. Do not touch or move the tablet around, and do not eat while you have a Buccastem tablet in your mouth.
You should take 1 or 2 tablets twice a day, for a maximum of two days. Always take Buccastem as your doctor or pharmacist has prescribed.
If you forget to take Buccastem, use it as soon as you remember if you still feel nauseous. Do not take double the dose to make up for a missed one.
If you take too much Buccastem then seek medical attention straight away. Take the packet with you so that the doctor can see what you've taken.
Possible side effects of Buccastem include:
Rare side effects of Buccastem may include:
Serious side effects that need immediate medical attention include:
Do not use Buccastem if:
Talk to your doctor before taking Buccastem if any of the following apply to you:
Buccastem can increase your sensitivity to sunlight. So try to use sun protection and avoid direct exposure to the sun while you are using Buccastem.
Certain medicines may interact with Buccastem. If you are taking any of the following medicines, make sure you tell your doctor:
Buccastem should not be used during pregnancy. Speak to your doctor for advice on an alternative.
You should not drink alcohol while taking Buccastem.
Buccastem can cause drowsiness so you should not drive or operate machinery after taking it.
Buccastem is a medicine that helps treat nausea and vomiting. You can use Buccastem alongside painkillers or a different type of migraine treatment. There are other types of antiemetics which work in a similar way to Buccastem. These include:
Like Buccastem, Stemetil also contains prochlorperazine. Stemetil is essentially the same medicine as Buccastem, except it comes in tablet, syrup and injection form instead of dissolving in the mouth.
The best thing to do when you experience a migraine is to lie down in a dark room until it passes. Painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, are helpful for pain relief. For stronger migraine relief, you could try using sumatriptan (Migraitan) or rizatriptan (Maxalt) which are available online from Dr Felix.
Keeping a migraine diary to record your symptoms can help you get an accurate diagnosis from your doctor and identify possible triggers and environmental factors that may be causing your migraines. Record as many details as you can, so you can avoid triggers and manage your migraines better.
The best way to prevent a migraine is to identify what is triggering them, and avoid those triggers. Keep a diary to record where and when your migraines take place, the environmental factors that are present, and anything you eat or drink. Try to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, eat a healthy balanced diet and get enough exercise to stay well.
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