Certified Medication Aide Practice

What is the purpose of a buccal tablet?

1. To be compressed and dissolved in the mouth

2. To be applied on the skin

3. Tablet made to be placed between the cheek or upper lip to dissolve slowly

4. Liquid drug form in which the drug is evenly dissolved

The correct answer is: Tablet made to be placed between the cheek or upper lip to dissolve slowly

A buccal tablet is a specific dosage form designed to be placed between the cheek and the upper lip to dissolve slowly. This allows for the medication to be absorbed through the oral mucosa and directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract and liver metabolism. This route of administration provides a rapid onset of action and avoids the first-pass effect that can occur with medications taken orally. Option A, compressing and dissolving in the mouth, describes sublingual tablets which are meant to be placed under the tongue, not between the cheek and upper lip like buccal tablets do. Option B, applying on the skin, refers to topical medications that are intended for absorption through the skin. Option D, liquid drug form, does not accurately describe a buccal tablet, which is a solid dosage form designed to be slowly dissolved in the mouth.