FPGEE for National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Practice Exam

What common route of administration includes buccal administration?

1. Parenteral

2. Enteral

3. Transdermal

4. Intramuscular

The correct answer is: Enteral

Buccal administration is a method of delivering medication that involves placing the drug between the gums and the inner lining of the cheek. This route allows for the drug to be absorbed through the oral mucosa directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. Therefore, it is classified under enteral routes of administration, as it involves delivering drugs via the gastrointestinal tract, albeit without swallowing the drug. The enteral route encompasses various methods, including oral, sublingual (under the tongue), and buccal administration. In contrast, the parenteral route involves injecting medication directly into the body, typically through intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous methods, and does not include buccal administration. Transdermal refers to drug delivery through the skin, which is also not relevant to buccal administration. Lastly, intramuscular specifically denotes a method of parenteral administration and excludes any enteral absorption routes. Hence, buccal administration's classification as an enteral method highlights its absorption characteristics and its place within broader drug delivery systems.