Where is a buccal medication placed?

• A. Between the tongue and floor of mouth
• B. Between the gums and teeth
• C. Under the tongue
• D. Between the cheek and gum

Answer: (D)

A buccal medication is placed between the cheek and the gum. This location allows the drug to dissolve and be absorbed directly through the buccal mucosa, bypassing much of the digestive system and first-pass metabolism. It’s used for tablets or films designed to dissolve in the mouth and is helpful when a patient can’t swallow or when rapid absorption is desired. Avoid placing it under the tongue or between the gums and teeth, or on the floor of the mouth, since those sites are not buccal. Keep it in place until fully dissolved and do not chew it during this time.