Prochlorperazine 3mg (Generic Buccastem M Buccal) - 8 Tablets

What is prochlorperazine? 

Prochlorperazine, belonging to a group of medicines called phenothiazines, is an anti-sickness treatment used to relieve nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting. It is often used to treat nausea and vomiting associated with migraines, but it can relieve any kind of sickness caused by any number of reasons. Prochlorperazine is also effective in treating migraines and dizziness due to ear problems or other causes. 

What is the recommended dosage?

Prochlorperazine tablets should be placed high up under your top gum, under the upper lip on either side of the mouth. There it will soften and stick to the gum - you should allow it to dissolve slowly and completely, even if this takes a long time. It can take between 1 and 2 hours, but most people find that after a few minutes they no longer notice the tablet. Try not to move the tablet around your mouth with your tongue, as it will then dissolve too quickly. The tablet must not be swallowed whole or chewed. 

It’s best to take Prochlorperazine after a meal. You must not, however, drink any alcohol when taking this medicine - alcohol may react with prochlorperazine. 

How does prochlorperazine relieve nausea?

This medicine contains 3mg of the active ingredient prochlorperazine. Prochlorperazine is thought to work by blocking the action of a chemical called dopamine in the brain, stopping nausea messages from being sent to the part of your brain which tells your body it needs to vomit. 

What is nausea?

Nausea is the uncomfortable feeling in your stomach that often comes before vomiting (being sick). There are many different things that can cause you to feel sick, including: 

• Motion sickness

• Seasickness

• Overeating 

• Morning sickness in pregnancy

• Certain medications

• Intense pain

• Stress or anxiety

• Food poisoning

• Stomach bugs

Nausea can be really distressing for some people, and if it’s a recurring problem it can have a really negative impact on your life. If you’re experiencing nausea frequently and you don’t know why, you should speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist for expert advice and possible treatment options. 

Is prochlorperazine suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women? 

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, are trying to become pregnant, you should talk to a doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking prochlorperazine. Taking these tablets in the last trimester of your pregnancy may cause these symptoms in your newborn baby: shaking, muscle stiffness and/or weakness, sleepiness, agitation, breathing problems, or difficulty in feeding. Prochlorperazine is not suitable for women who are breastfeeding. 

Is prochlorperazine suitable for children? 

Prochlorperazine is not recommended for children under the age of 12. If your child is suffering from nausea or vomiting speak to a Chemist4U pharmacist for expert advice and possible alternative treatment options. 

Will these tablets make me drowsy?

Prochlorperazine can cause drowsiness. Once you have taken this medicine, you should not drive or use any machinery until you can be sure you aren’t feeling any side effects that cause you to feel dizzy, drowsy or sleepy. 

When should this medication not be used? 

Prochlorperazine is usually safe for most adults and children over the age of 12. You should not, however, take prochlorperazine if you are allergic to prochlorperazine or any of the other ingredients in this medicine. Talk to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking prochlorperazine if: 

• You are taking any other medicines or herbal remedies, including those obtained without a prescription.

• You are elderly

• You are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant

• You have risk factors for a blood clot, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes or smoking

• Someone in your family has a history of blood clots

Are there any side effects?

Like all medicines, there’s a possibility that you may experience some side effects when you take prochlorperazine, but these won’t affect everybody. Make sure to stop taking prochlorperazine and seek immediate medical help if you experience any signs of:

• An allergic reaction (swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat and difficulty breathing).

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a high temperature, pale complexion, muscle stiffness and changes in your level of alertness)

• Blood clots in your veins, especially in the legs (swelling, pain and redness in the leg, or chest pain and difficulty breathing)

Other side effects may include: 

• Drowsiness 

• Dizziness

• Dry mouth

• Inability to sleep

• Agitation

• Mild skin reactions

• Low blood pressure (feeling dizzy or faint when you stand up) 

• Local irritation of the gum and mouth

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) (rare)

• Blood problems (rare)

• Breast swelling (very rare)

• Abnormal movements, tremors and muscle rigidity, or unusual movements of the face and tongue (very rare)

If you experience any side effects, including any not included in the patient information leaflet, you can report them using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme. 

Why do I need to answer questions to buy this product?

You do not need a prescription for prochlorperazine, however, you will be asked to complete a short medical questionnaire by your Chemist4U pharmacist before we can take your order. This includes some simple questions that all pharmacies legally are required to ask before supplying this kind of product. This helps our pharmacy team to be sure that prochlorperazine is the best choice for you.

Storage information

Keep out of sight and reach of children. Do not use prochlorperazine after the expiry date, referring to the last day of the month stated on the packaging. 

Important information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.

Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction

For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.

If you are concerned about addiction to 'over the counter' medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:

NHS Help & Advice on Drug Addiction

Talk To Frank - Drug Addiction Help & Support