Buccal, oral transmucosal drug delivery
Buccal or oral transmucosal drug delivery is an alternative drug delivery method by which the drug is absorbed by the body through the mucous membrane. It allows for drugs to be given only once a day and avoids the adverse effect of first pass metabolism.
Since buccal or oral transmucosal drug delivery is a new technology, it is not widely used yet. It has been developed primarily for the aging population of western countries and it is believed that by using this drug delivery method, healthcare costs will reduce.
The medication for oral transmucosal delivery is kept in a sealed pouch. The pouch should be opened just before the medication is to be used. The medicine should be kept in the mouth between the cheek and the lower gum. It should be sucked for the duration specified by the medicine manufacturer.
For buccal delivery, the medication is in the form of a tablet. Immediately after removing the tablet from the blister pack, the medicine is placed between the upper cheek and the gums above a molar at the back of the mouth. For many medicines, the tablet or capsule will consist of an outer rapid release layer and an inner control release layer
The tablet will usually dissolve after a period specified by the manufacturer. If it does not dissolve, it can be swallowed with a glass of water. Other medicines for buccal delivery, are in the form of a liquid formulation which can delivered in the mouth using an aerosol spray.