Which term refers to medication administered in the cheek/gum area?

The term that refers to medication administered in the cheek or gum area is "buccal." This route of administration involves placing the medication between the gums and the inner lining of the cheek, allowing for absorption through the mucous membranes. This method is beneficial because it can lead to faster systemic effects compared to oral administration since the drug bypasses the digestive system and is less likely to be destroyed by stomach acids or enzymes.

The buccal route is often used for certain types of medications, including some pain relief tablets and hormone replacement treatments, allowing for quicker onset of effects while also facilitating a more stable plasma concentration.

Other routes mentioned, such as NG (nasogastric), involve different mechanisms of administration related to the gastrointestinal system; PO (oral) indicates medications taken by mouth and absorbed through the digestive tract, and SL (sublingual) involves placement under the tongue. While all these methods are effective for certain medications, buccal administration specifically targets the area between the cheek and gums, which is distinct from the other routes.