Advantage And Disadvantage Of Sublingual/Buccal Medication

Sublingual and buccal medications are administered by placing them in the mouth, either under the tongue (sublingual) or between the gum and the cheek (buccal). The medications dissolve rapidly and are absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth, where they enter into the bloodstream. The medications are compounded in the form of small, quick-dissolving tablets, sprays, lozenges, or liquid suspensions.

Sublingual and buccal medication

Sublingual and buccal medication are prescribed when the drug needs to get into your system quickly or you have trouble swallowing medication. medication doesn’t absorb very well in the stomach or the effects of the drug would be decreased by digestion will be given via this route.

Read Also: Advantage And Disadvantage Of Oral Route Of Drug Administration

Other Sublingual Dosage Forms

Pharmaceutical preparations for sublingual administration are manufactured in the form of:

1. Sublingual tablet—tablets which easily melt in the mouth, dissolve rapidly and with little or no residue

2. Sublingual strips—similar to tablets in that they easily melt in the mouth and dissolve rapidly.

3. Multi-purpose tablets—Soluble tablets for either oral or sublingual (or buccal) administration, often also suitable for preparation of injections

4. Sublingual drops—a concentrated solution to be dropped under the tongue

5. Sublingual spray—spray for the tongue

6. Lozenge—effects a metered and patient-controlled-rate combination of sublingual, buccal, and oral administration

7. Effervescent buccal or sublingual tablets—this method drives the drug through the mucous membranes much faster

Advantage Of Sublingual/Buccal Medication

1. rapid onset of pharmacological effect useful in emergency

2. Bypass digestive system breakdown allowing reduce dosing

3. Suitable for people who can't swallow like nausea

4. No interaction with food, chemicals and other drugs which can alter a drug bioavailability

Read Also: Advantage And Disadvantage Of Topical Route Of Drug Administration

Disadvantage Of Sublingual/Buccal Medication

1. Not suitable for bitter tasting drugs

2. Cannot be used for sustained release medication

3. Not convenient for many patients as they can swallow it accidentally trying to keep it in place or during talking, drinking or eating

4. Sore in the mouth can be irritated