The PHCP prescribes a medication via the buccal route. Where should the medication be placed for administration?

The PHCP prescribes a medication via the buccal route. Where should the medication be placed for administration?

• A. In the client's ear while holding the pinna down and back
• B. Under the client's tongue
• C. In the client's mouth toward the cheek
• D. Into the client's nasal passage

Answer: (C)

Buccal administration places the drug against the mucosa of the inner cheek, in the area between the cheek and the gums. This location lets the medication dissolve and be absorbed directly through the buccal mucosa into the bloodstream, bypassing the GI tract and first-pass metabolism. So, placing the medication in the mouth toward the cheek is the correct approach. It’s not meant for the ear (topical otic), not under the tongue (that’s sublingual), and not in the nasal passage (nasal route). Keep the tablet or film against the cheek until it dissolves, and avoid chewing or swallowing it until absorption is complete.

Buccal administration places the drug against the mucosa of the inner cheek, in the area between the cheek and the gums. This location lets the medication dissolve and be absorbed directly through the buccal mucosa into the bloodstream, bypassing the GI tract and first-pass metabolism.

So, placing the medication in the mouth toward the cheek is the correct approach. It’s not meant for the ear (topical otic), not under the tongue (that’s sublingual), and not in the nasal passage (nasal route). Keep the tablet or film against the cheek until it dissolves, and avoid chewing or swallowing it until absorption is complete.