1.0 buccal + sublingual formulations

BUCC + SL formulations are designed for administering drugs via oral mucosa

targeting systemic absorption without involving the GI tract

these routes bypass first pass metabolism in the liver

ensuring rapid onset and high bioavailability

BUCC+SL are particularly effective for drugs requiring swift therapeutic action

or those degraded in the GI tract

BUCC location

between the cheek + gum

BUCC absorption

enters the bloodstream directly bypassing the digestive system + liver metabolism

BUCC speed

relatively rapid as the medication is in close contact with the highly vascularised oral mucosa

SL location

under than tounge

SL absorption

enters the bloodstream directly bypassing the digestive system + liver metabolism

SL speed

relatively rapid due to the rich blood supply and thin mucosa membrane under the tounge

sublingual tablets

facilitates quick disintegration + drug release for rapid action

buccal tablets

incorporate high molecular weight hydrophilic polymers + gums that form a gel adhering to the site for sustained release

SL + BUCC tablets generally offer a faster onset of action compared to oral tablets

because the medication is absorbed directly into the bloodstream via the oral mucosa bypassing GI + first pass

for many buccal medications like prochlorperazine

onset is typically within 30-60 minutes

sublingual fentanyl provides pain relief

within 5-10 minutes

advantages of BUCC + SL

• rapid onset of action

• bypass of first pass metabolism

• non invasive

• ideal for unstable drugs

rapid onset of action

particularly critical for drugs like GTN during the angina attack

non invasive

convenient for self administration

ideal for unstable drugs

protects drugs that are degraded by stomach acid/GI enzymes

limitations of BUCC + SL

• taste + irritation

• limited dose capacity

• moisture sensitivity

taste + irritation

drugs may have unpleasant tastes or cause mucosal irritation reducing patient compliance

limited dose capacity

suitable for drugs with low dose requirements

moisture sensitivity

some formulations require protection from moisture to maintain stability