When administering buccal medication, where should the patient place the medication?

The correct placement for buccal medication is between the cheek and gums. Buccal medications are designed to dissolve and be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucosal membranes in the cheek area. This method allows for rapid onset of action, as the medication bypasses the digestive system and liver, reducing the risk of metabolism before it enters circulation.

Placing the medication under the tongue is characteristic of sublingual administration, which is different from buccal administration. Similarly, putting the medication in the esophagus or on the tongue does not align with the buccal route, as these methods could interfere with the medication's absorption and effectiveness. Thus, ensuring that patients are instructed to place the medication in the correct location between the cheek and gums is essential for the proper administration and therapeutic outcome of buccal medications.