APPLYING MEDICATIONS TO THE MUCOUS MEMBRANE

A. DEFINITION

Administration of medication through the sublingual and buccal routes.

Sublingual administration – a drug may be placed under the tongue until it dissolves.

Buccal administration – a medication is held in the mouth against the mucous

membrane of the cheeks until it dissolves.

B. PURPOSES

1. To prevent destruction or transformation of drugs in the stomach or small intestines.

2. To provide more appropriate surface for absorption.
3. To promote rapid absorption of drugs in the blood stream.
4. To ensure greater potency (drug directly enters the blood and bypass the liver).
5. To provide local anesthetic to specific body part so as to relieve pain and discomfort.

C. EQUIPMENT

Medication Container
Medication (as prescribed)
Tongue Blade
Gloves (non-sterile

D. PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION

ACTION RATIONALE
1. Obtain patient’s medication record. To determine the kind of drug to be given.
2. Compare the medication record with the To ensure accuracy.
most recent physician’s order.
3. Wash hands. To prevent the spread of infection.
4. Gather necessary equipment. To save time and effort.
5. Remove the medication from the drug box To prevent confusion.
or tray on the medication cart.
6. Compare the label on the medication bottle, To ensure accuracy.
packet, tube or jar to the medication record.
7. Place medication bottle, packet, tube or jar To prevent contamination of drug.
on a tray if not using medication cart.
8. Check the drug information to determine if To ensure the client’s safety.
appropriate for application to mucous
membranes.
9. Wash your hands and wear non-sterile To prevent exposure to blood and bloody
gloves. fluids.
10. Assess the client’s knowledge of the drug To identify the extent of explanation needed
and its action. by the client.

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11. Explain the procedures to the client, and To reduce anxiety and to gain cooperation.
allow the client to ask questions.
12. Offer sips of water before administering Liquid may affect the effectiveness of drug
the drug and explain to the client that liquids absorption.
cannot be taken until the drug is completely
dissolved/absorbed.
13. Administer the medication. Correct method of administration ensures
effective drug absorption.
a. Sublingual: Place the drug under the tongue,
let it dissolved/absorbed.

b. Buccal: Place the drug in the mouth, held

against the mucous membrane of the cheek
until it is dissolved/absorbed.
14. Instruct the client on the following:

a. Not to smoke before the drug has Nicotine has a vasoconstricting effect that
completely dissolved/absorbed. may slow down drug absorption.

b. Not to chew or touch the drug with the To prevent accidental swallowing of the
tongue. drug.
15. Remove gloves and dispose in a proper To prevent the spread of microorganisms.
receptacle and wash hands.
16. Document the medication administered on
the nurse’s notes indicating the status of the
mucous membrane, patient’s tolerance to the
medication, observed effects of the
medication, time of administration, dosage
and name of drug.