Where should a patient place buccal medication before swallowing?

Buccal medication is designed to be absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth. When a patient places buccal medication between the cheek and gums, it allows for effective absorption into the bloodstream. This route bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and liver, which can enhance the medication's efficacy and onset of action.

The medication is typically placed in this location because it is meant to dissolve slowly, allowing for the release of the active ingredients directly into the bloodstream through the buccal mucosa. This method ensures that the medication is taken effectively without the need for swallowing, which is crucial for substances that need to be absorbed in the mouth rather than the stomach.

In contrast, placing the medication on the tongue or in the back of the throat would not provide the optimal absorption that buccal medications require, as these areas do not allow the same level of direct contact with the mucosal lining. Similarly, placing it under the tongue would imply sublingual administration, which has distinct properties and uses different from buccal medications. Thus, placing the medication between the cheek and gums is the recommended practice for buccal administration.