Evaluation of prochlorperazine buccal tablets (Bukatel) and metoclopramide oral tablets in the treatment of acute emesis.

The dizziness associated with vertiginous disorders is often accompanied with nausea and/or vomiting. Antiemetic effect of prochlorperazine (PCZ) is diminished by its low bioavailability owing to a significant gastric and hepatic first pass effect. This effect could be further diminished by likelihood of regurgitation of nauseating patients further limiting the therapeutic effect of oral PCZ. A buccal preparation achieves higher plasma concentrations through direct systemic absorption. In this study buccal prochlorperazine (Bukatel) was compared for its efficacy and tolerability with commonly used metoclopramide. Bukatel was well tolerated and well rated by both patients and investigators with no adverse effects on buccal mucosa and causing less drowsiness and sedation. Results indicate that Bukatel is safe and effective for the treatment of nausea and/or vomiting in patients suffering from vertiginous disorders and could be safely and strongly recommended as an alternative to less bioavailable and indiscriminately used oral metoclopramide tablets.