5.6.2: Sublingual and Buccal Route
- Page ID
- 89402
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The sublingual route includes placing a drug under the tongue, and the buccal route is placing a drug between the cheek and gum. The mucous membranes of the mouth have a rich blood supply very close to the surface. Drugs can easily and very rapidly be absorbed into the bloodstream via these routes.
Supplies and equipment required to administer drugs orally include:
- Provider’s drug order
- Documentation system
- Gloves and other appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Drug supply
- Medicine cup
- Water
When preparing sublingual or buccal drugs, practice medical asepsis and work in a well-lit area without distractions; follow the nine rights of drug administration and check for drug allergies. Only administer drugs ordered by the provider and that you have prepared yourself. If the MA has any questions about the drug, do not administer the drug until all questions have been answered.
Follow the following steps for safe administration of sublingual and buccal drugs:
- Use a drug reference source to review information on the drug ordered.
- Calculate the amount of drug to be administered
- Wash your hands.
- Check the drug label against the provider's order. Check for the drug name, form, and route.
- Check the expiration date on the drug packaging.
- For bulk tablets, remove the container's cover and pour the correct number of tablets into the cap. It is acceptable to pour extra tablets back into the container only if they are in the container's cap.
- When the correct number of tablets has been in the cap, pour the tablets into the paper medicine cup.
- Place the medicine cup on the medication tray and clean up the work area
- Perform another check for the right name, form, route, and dose.
- Greet the patient and identify yourself. Verify the patient’s identity by asking for their name and date of birth. Check the patient’s identification bracelet if required.
- Ask the patient if they have any drug allergies.
- Ask the patient if they are experiencing a dry mouth. If yes, allow the patient to take a sip of water.
- Provide patient education. Explain the drug ordered, the indication for the drug, side effects, adverse effects, and the provider who ordered the drug.
- Perform any assessments prior to administering the drug
- Allow the patient to ask questions.
- Hand the medicine cup to the patient. Instruct the patient to place the drug under their tongue for the sublingual route or between their cheek and gum for the buccal route. Instruct the patient not to chew or swallow the tablet but allow it to dissolve in their mouth. Stay with the patient until the drug has dissolved.
- Document the procedure in the health record.