Question

question 33

a pharmacy technician is entering a prescription for buccal tablets. the technician should recognize which of the following as the appropriate method for administering this medication?

• allow the tablet to dissolve on the tongue.
• dissolve the tablet in water.
• swallow the tablet whole with water.
• place the tablet between the cheek and gum.

Explanation:

Define buccal administration

The term "buccal" originates from the Latin word bucca, which means cheek. In pharmacology, buccal administration refers to placing a medication between the gums and the inner lining of the cheek.

Analyze the mechanism

Medications administered buccally are designed to dissolve slowly in this space. This allows the active ingredients to be absorbed directly through the oral mucosa into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and the first-pass metabolism of the liver.

Evaluate the options

• Allow the tablet to dissolve on the tongue: This describes orally disintegrating tablets (ODT) or sublingual administration if placed under the tongue.
• Dissolve the tablet in water: This describes effervescent or soluble tablets.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water: This describes oral (PO) administration.
• Place the tablet between the cheek and gum: This directly matches the definition of buccal administration.

Answer:

• Allow the tablet to dissolve on the tongue.
• Dissolve the tablet in water.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water.
• Place the tablet between the cheek and gum. (Correct answer)