Where are buccal route medications administered?

Where are buccal route medications administered?

• A. In the stomach
• B. Underneath the tongue
• C. Between the gums/teeth and cheek
• D. On the back of the throat

Answer: (C)

Buccal route medications are indeed administered between the gums/teeth and the cheek. This method is specifically designed to allow the medication to dissolve and be absorbed directly through the mucous membrane of the buccal cavity, providing a faster onset of action compared to oral medications swallowed. By placing the medication in this area, it bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and first-pass metabolism in the liver, leading to more efficient absorption into the bloodstream. Administering medications under the tongue, as described in one of the options, pertains to the sublingual route, which, while similar, is distinctly different from the buccal route. Likewise, placing medication in the stomach indicates a completely different administration method—oral ingestion. Administering medication on the back of the throat does not align with the buccal route, as this area is not involved in the mucosal absorption targeted by buccal administration, but rather refers to a different method of delivery that may be less effective for certain medications.

Buccal route medications are indeed administered between the gums/teeth and the cheek. This method is specifically designed to allow the medication to dissolve and be absorbed directly through the mucous membrane of the buccal cavity, providing a faster onset of action compared to oral medications swallowed. By placing the medication in this area, it bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and first-pass metabolism in the liver, leading to more efficient absorption into the bloodstream.

Administering medications under the tongue, as described in one of the options, pertains to the sublingual route, which, while similar, is distinctly different from the buccal route. Likewise, placing medication in the stomach indicates a completely different administration method—oral ingestion. Administering medication on the back of the throat does not align with the buccal route, as this area is not involved in the mucosal absorption targeted by buccal administration, but rather refers to a different method of delivery that may be less effective for certain medications.