Question

Which one of the following is not an advantage of sublingual or buccal administration?

(a) Rapid absorption and higher blood levels

(b) No first-pass hepatic metabolism

(c) No degradation of drugs

(d) Limited surface area

The question was asked in an interview.

My question comes from Drugs Absorption from Non Oral Extravascular Sites in chapter Absorption of Drugs of Drug Biotechnology

Answer 1

The correct choice is (d) Limited surface area

Explanation: The advantage of the sublingual and buccal route is rapid absorption, higher blood level due to the high vascularization of the oral cavity. No first-pass hepatic metabolism that is no passing through the liver. No degradation of drugs such that encountered in the GIT. The presence of saliva helps in drug dissolution and its permeation.