In buccal medication administration, where is the medication placed?

• A. Under the tongue
• B. Directly on the skin
• C. Between the cheek and gums
• D. In the eye

Answer: (C)

In buccal medication administration, the medication is placed between the cheek and gums. This route allows for the absorption of the medication directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes in the mouth, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. This method is particularly useful for medications that need to act quickly or that may be degraded by stomach acid or first-pass metabolism in the liver.

Placing medication under the tongue is characteristic of sublingual administration, where the area under the tongue allows for rapid absorption. Applying medication directly on the skin refers to topical administration, which is suited for local effects but does not facilitate systemic absorption like buccal administration. Administering medication in the eye is related to ocular administration, which is entirely different and is used for treating eye-related conditions.