Buccal absorption advantages

The highly vascular surface of the oral mucosa ensures rapid absorption and onset of action, as well as the maintenance of sink conditions. In particular, the sublingual route is characterized by a rapid onset of action. The buccal cavity offers the combined advantages of a relatively rapid onset of action, with the potential for sustained delivery over several hours. 

The administration of drugs by alternative routes avoids absorption and metabolic barriers that may be present in the GI tract. The routes can also provide systematic availability when oral administration is contraindicated due to a physiologic condition, or the route may provide for a concentration-time profile that approaches intravenous dosing profiles. The ophthalmic, nasal, pulmonary, buccal, transdermal, and rectal routes provide one or more of these advantages. 

When comparing the two, the buccal tablets have some potential advantages over fentanyl oralets. The buccal tablet formulation is more discreet than the oralet lollipop . Also the enhanced oral mucosal absorption allows for faster onset of pain relief (5-10 minutes) versus the oralet (10-20 minutes). Differences between the two preparations are outlined in Table 27.1. 

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