Buccal tablet

Buccal tablet is a type of dosage form used in pharmaceutical drug delivery. It is designed to be placed in the buccal pouch, the area between the cheek and gum, where it dissolves and is absorbed through the oral mucosa.

Description

A buccal tablet is a small, flat, and usually oval tablet that is placed in the buccal pouch. It is held in place until it dissolves, which allows the medication to be absorbed directly into the blood vessels that line the oral mucosa. This method of drug delivery bypasses the gastrointestinal tract, which can be beneficial for drugs that are unstable in the stomach or are poorly absorbed in the intestines.

Advantages

The buccal tablet has several advantages over other dosage forms. It allows for the rapid absorption of medication, which can lead to a faster onset of action. It also avoids the first-pass metabolism that occurs when drugs are ingested orally, which can increase the bioavailability of the medication. In addition, buccal tablets can be used by patients who have difficulty swallowing.

Disadvantages

Despite its advantages, the buccal tablet also has some disadvantages. It can cause irritation to the oral mucosa, and the patient must keep the tablet in place until it dissolves, which can be inconvenient. Some patients may also find the taste of the tablet unpleasant.

Examples

Several medications are available in buccal tablet form. These include buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid dependence, isosorbide dinitrate for the treatment of angina, and miconazole for the treatment of oral candidiasis.

See also

• Sublingual administration
• Oral administration
• Drug delivery