Prochlorperazine 3mg Buccal Tablets

What are prochlorperazine 3mg buccal tablets and what are they used for?

Prochlorperazine buccal tablets are used to treat the feeling of nausea, which is brought on by conditions such as migraines, vertigo, and inner ear problems. Buccal tablets are not swallowed but placed onto the gums under the lip where they slowly dissolve in the mouth, this makes them a popular choice among people who cannot or prefer not to swallow medicine.

Each box contains 8 (3 mg) tablets. They are suitable for adults aged between 18 to 65 years.

Are they different from Buccastem M?

Buccastem M is the branded version. Now that the patent has expired this medication is available generically as prochlorperazine buccal tablets. They work in exactly the same way though are more cost effective.

What is nausea?

Nausea is caused by imbalances in the vestibular system. This is a series of fluid chambers and nerves in each ear that control the body’s sense of balance. When the brain detects conflicting information being relayed by the vestibular system and the eyes or muscles, it triggers the feeling of nausea. This is why irregular motion such as that on a plane or boat can lead to nausea. This type of nausea can affect anyone, but those who experience migraines may be much more susceptible.

How do Prochlorperazine buccal tablets work?

The tablets’ active ingredient, prochlorperazine, prevents the feeling of nausea and vomiting by blocking the activity of dopamine receptors in the area of the brain that initiates nausea.

Prochlorperazine is a type of drug called phenothiazine. Only a low dose of prochlorperazine is used to control nausea; at higher doses, this same medicine is used to treat psychiatric illnesses.

Alternatives for Nausea

There are quite a few forms of therapy associated with helping to reduce or control nausea. These methods will not work as quickly as medication, however, they are often a good place to start. There is nothing stopping you from combining these methods with medication if it is needed.
These methods try to reduce nausea and vomiting by:

• Helping you feel relaxed
• Distracting you from what’s going on
• Helping you feel in control
• Making you feel less helpless

Sources

• Prochlorperazine 3 mg Buccal Tablets patient leaflet
• https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/p...
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/...

How to take Prochlorperazine 3mg buccal tablets

For adults between the age of 18 to 65 years:

• Place 1-2 tablets in between the top gum and the upper lip up to twice a day.
• Leave the tablet in place, and allow it to dissolve. This will take 1-2 hours.
• If you wear dentures, find any comfortable position for the tablet in between your lip and gum.

Do not swallow buccal tablets, and refrain from eating until the tablet has completely dissolved.

You should not take prochlorperazine tablets for longer than 2 days. If your symptoms do not improve within this time consult your GP.

Prochlorperazine 3mg buccal tablets ingredients

The active ingredient contained in Prochlorperazine 3mg buccal tablets is: Prochlorperazine maleate 3mg.

Prochlorperazine 3mg buccal tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients: Compressible sugar (sucrose), povidone K30, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, talc, magnesium stearate and riboflavin sodium phosphate.

Prochlorperazine 3mg buccal tablets side effects

Most people will not experience side effects when they take prochlorperazine 3mg buccal tablets, however, if you do they can include:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Dry mouth
• Skin and gum irritations
• Low blood pressure
• Fainting
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight
• Increased blood sugar level
• Jaundice
• Impotence and other erectile problems
• Muscle tremors
• Abnormal movements of the tongue or face

If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Prochlorperazine 3mg buccal tablets warnings

Reading the following warnings carefully will help to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

Prochlorperazine 3mg buccal tablets are unsuitable for you if:

• You may be allergic to prochlorperazine maleate or any of the tablets’ inactive ingredients
• You have problems with the blood, liver or prostate gland
• You suffer from glaucoma, epilepsy, or Parkinson’s disease.

Before taking Prochlorperazine 3mg buccal tablets, consult your doctor if:

• You are at high risk for a blood clot or stroke (including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol or family history)
• You are breastfeeding, pregnant, or may become pregnant
• You have a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis
• You have HIV or AIDS.

Prochlorperazine 3mg buccal tablets and other medicines

• Sedatives (such as temazepam or diazepam)
• Medicines for high blood pressure (such as amitriptyline or imipramine)
• Epilepsy medication (such as carbamazepine or lamotrigine)
• Lithium
• Desferrioxamine
• Anticholinergic medicines (such as amitriptyline or imipramine).

Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take