What is a buccal patch and How Does it Redefine Medication Delivery?

October 7, 2025 •

5 min read

The global buccal drug delivery systems market was valued at over $4.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow significantly, highlighting a major shift in medication administration [1.9.2, 1.9.4]. A key innovation in this field is the buccal patch, a small, mucoadhesive film that delivers drugs directly through the cheek lining [1.2.1].

Quick Summary

A buccal patch is a small, flexible film designed to deliver medication through the oral mucosa lining the cheek [1.2.1]. It enhances drug bioavailability by bypassing the digestive system and first-pass metabolism in the liver [1.3.1].

Key Points

What it is: A buccal patch is a small, mucoadhesive film that sticks to the inside of the cheek to deliver medication directly into the bloodstream [1.2.1].
How it works: It bypasses the digestive system and liver (first-pass metabolism), leading to higher drug bioavailability and a faster onset of action [1.3.1].
Key Advantages: Major benefits include enhanced bioavailability, pain-free application, controlled drug release, and suitability for patients who cannot swallow pills [1.2.1, 1.4.4].
Main Limitations: The small absorption area limits the dosage size, and there is a potential for local irritation or dislodgement while eating or talking [1.4.5, 1.4.2].
Common Uses: Buccal patches are used for pain management (e.g., buprenorphine), cardiovascular conditions, hormone therapy, and migraine treatment [1.7.1, 1.7.2].
Application Method: To apply, moisten the cheek, press the patch firmly for 5 seconds, and allow it to dissolve without disturbing it [1.6.1, 1.6.3].
Future Trends: Innovations include developing patches for biologics like insulin and vaccines, and using 3D printing for personalized dosing [1.10.4].

Understanding the Buccal Route

The oral cavity presents a unique and effective area for drug administration, known as the transmucosal route [1.2.3]. The lining of the mouth, or oral mucosa, is highly vascularized, meaning it has a rich supply of blood vessels [1.3.1]. This allows certain medications to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. The buccal area, specifically the soft tissue lining the inside of the cheek, is an ideal site for this type of delivery because it is a relatively immobile surface, allowing a delivery system to remain in place for an extended period [1.4.5].

What is a Buccal Patch?

A buccal patch is a technologically advanced drug delivery system, often appearing as a small, thin, flexible strip or film [1.2.1]. It is designed to adhere to the inside of the cheek (the buccal mucosa) [1.2.2]. These patches are composed of one or more layers, including the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), mucoadhesive polymers that allow them to stick to the moist surface of the cheek, and often an impermeable backing layer [1.5.2].

The primary function of a buccal patch is to provide a controlled, and often sustained, release of medication directly into the systemic circulation [1.2.5]. By doing so, it circumvents the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This is a crucial advantage for medications that are poorly absorbed in the stomach, degraded by stomach acid, or significantly broken down by the liver in a process called first-pass metabolism [1.3.1]. Bypassing this process leads to higher bioavailability, meaning a greater proportion of the active drug reaches the bloodstream [1.2.1].

How Buccal Patches Work

The mechanism of a buccal patch is centered on mucoadhesion and transmucosal absorption.

Mechanism of Action

Application and Adhesion: The patch is placed on the inside of the cheek. The mucoadhesive polymers in the patch become hydrated by saliva, forming a gel-like layer that bonds securely with the mucus layer of the cheek [1.5.1].
Drug Release: Once adhered, the patch begins to release its embedded medication. The release can be designed to be rapid or sustained over several hours, depending on the patch's formulation and layered design [1.2.3].
Absorption: The released drug molecules then pass through the thin, permeable epithelial layer of the buccal mucosa to reach the dense network of capillaries beneath [1.3.1]. Hydrophilic (water-soluble) drugs typically pass through the spaces between cells (paracellular route), while lipophilic (fat-soluble) drugs tend to pass through the cells themselves (transcellular route) [1.7.1].
Systemic Circulation: After being absorbed into the capillaries, the drug enters the systemic circulation via the internal jugular vein, effectively bypassing the liver's first-pass metabolism [1.4.5]. This results in a faster onset of action and more predictable drug concentration levels in the blood compared to oral tablets [1.3.1].

Types of Buccal Patches

Buccal patches can be classified based on their structure and release characteristics:

Matrix (Bi-directional) Systems: In this design, the drug is uniformly dispersed within a mucoadhesive polymer matrix. The drug can be released in two directions: towards the mucosa for absorption and into the oral cavity, which can lead to some drug loss from swallowing [1.2.3].
Reservoir (Unidirectional) Systems: These are more advanced and feature an impermeable backing layer. This backing layer ensures the drug is released in only one direction—towards the buccal mucosa. This design prevents drug loss into the oral cavity and maximizes absorption efficiency [1.5.2].
Multi-layer Films: These can have several layers, each with a specific function, such as a fast-release layer for immediate effect followed by a controlled-release layer for sustained action [1.2.1].

Advantages and Disadvantages

Buccal patches offer a distinct set of benefits and have some limitations.

Advantages

Enhanced Bioavailability: Avoids first-pass metabolism and degradation in the GI tract, increasing the amount of active drug in the bloodstream [1.3.1].
Rapid Onset of Action: Direct absorption into the rich blood supply of the cheek provides a quick therapeutic effect [1.2.1].
Controlled and Sustained Release: Formulations can be designed to deliver medication at a steady rate over a prolonged period, which helps maintain stable therapeutic levels and reduces dosing frequency [1.2.3].
Improved Patient Compliance: Patches are a painless, non-invasive alternative to injections and are easy to use for patients who have difficulty swallowing pills (dysphagia) [1.2.1, 1.4.4].
Ease of Termination: If adverse effects occur, the patch can be easily removed to stop drug administration [1.3.4].

Disadvantages

Limited Surface Area: The cheek's surface area is small, which limits the amount of drug that can be absorbed at one time. This makes it unsuitable for drugs requiring very large doses [1.4.5].
Potential for Irritation: Continuous contact with the patch may cause local irritation to the mucosal lining [1.4.2].
Inconvenience: Eating, drinking, and talking may be uncomfortable or may dislodge the patch [1.3.4].
Saliva Washout: The continuous flow of saliva can dilute the drug concentration at the site of absorption or wash the patch away if adhesion is poor [1.4.5].

Comparison with Other Oral Delivery Methods


Feature	Buccal Patch	Sublingual Film/Tablet	Oral Tablet (Swallowed)
Placement	Between cheek and gum [1.8.2]	Under the tongue [1.8.2]	Swallowed into the stomach
Absorption Speed	Rapid to sustained [1.2.1]	Very rapid [1.8.1]	Slower, variable
First-Pass Metabolism	Avoided [1.3.1]	Avoided [1.8.1]	Subject to extensive first-pass effect
Best Use Case	Sustained or controlled delivery for chronic conditions [1.2.3]	Acute conditions requiring fast relief [1.8.1]	Wide range of systemic treatments
Duration of Action	Can be prolonged for hours [1.2.3]	Shorter duration	Depends on formulation (immediate or extended-release)
Limitations	Unsuitable for large doses, potential irritation [1.4.5, 1.4.2]	Saliva can wash away drug, shorter action time [1.8.1]	Delayed onset, degradation by stomach acid, food interactions

How to Apply a Buccal Patch

Proper application is critical for the effectiveness of a buccal patch.

Prepare: Before application, moisten the inside of the cheek by swishing water or using your tongue. Ensure hands are clean and dry [1.6.1, 1.6.3].
Open: Carefully open the foil package, being cautious not to damage the patch [1.6.3].
Place: Remove the patch from the liner. Many patches have two sides; for example, some have a colored side that should be placed against the cheek [1.6.1].
Press: Gently press the patch against the inside of the cheek and hold it in place for at least 5 seconds to ensure good adhesion [1.6.5].
Wait: Do not eat or drink until the film has fully dissolved or for the time specified by the manufacturer (often around 30 minutes). Avoid touching the patch with your tongue or fingers [1.6.2].

Common Medications and Future Trends

Buccal patches are used to deliver a variety of medications, including:

Pain Management: Opioids like buprenorphine and fentanyl [1.7.1, 1.7.4].
Cardiovascular Drugs: Antihypertensives such as carvedilol and metoprolol [1.7.2].
Hormone Replacement: Testosterone [1.7.1].
Nausea and Vomiting: Ondansetron and prochlorperazine [1.7.2, 1.7.1].
Migraine Treatment: Triptans like sumatriptan and zolmitriptan [1.7.2].

The future of buccal drug delivery is promising. Innovations focus on developing patches for macromolecules like peptides and insulin for diabetes management, and even for vaccine delivery [1.10.4]. Advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing are being explored to create personalized patches with complex drug combinations and release profiles [1.10.4]. The market for these systems is expected to continue its upward trend as demand for patient-centric and more effective drug delivery methods grows [1.10.5].

Conclusion

What is a buccal patch? It is a sophisticated and effective tool in modern pharmacology that offers a non-invasive, efficient, and patient-friendly alternative to traditional medication delivery methods. By leveraging the unique properties of the oral mucosa, buccal patches enhance drug bioavailability, provide a rapid onset of action, and allow for controlled, sustained therapy. While some limitations exist, ongoing research and technological advancements in materials and manufacturing are continuously expanding their applications, paving the way for a new generation of personalized and more effective treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

A buccal patch is used to deliver medication directly into the bloodstream through the lining of the cheek. It is often used for pain management, cardiovascular diseases, hormone replacement, and treating nausea, especially when rapid action is needed or when a drug is poorly absorbed by the stomach [1.7.1, 1.7.2].

Buccal patches generally provide a rapid onset of action because the medication is absorbed directly into the rich blood supply of the cheek, bypassing the digestive system. The exact time can vary, but effects are often felt much faster than with a pill that needs to be digested [1.2.1].

It is generally recommended to avoid eating or drinking until the buccal patch has fully dissolved, which typically takes around 15 to 30 minutes. This prevents the patch from being dislodged or the medication from being washed away before it can be fully absorbed [1.6.1, 1.6.2].

A buccal patch is placed between the cheek and gum for absorption, often designed for sustained release [1.8.2]. A sublingual tablet is placed under the tongue for very rapid absorption and is typically used for acute conditions requiring immediate effect [1.8.1, 1.8.2].

A buccal patch is advantageous for drugs that are broken down by the stomach or liver, as it avoids this process and increases bioavailability [1.3.1]. It's also ideal for patients who cannot swallow pills. However, it is not suitable for medications that require large doses due to the limited absorption area [1.4.5].

If a buccal patch falls off before it is fully dissolved, the full dose of medication may not have been delivered. You should consult the specific instructions provided with your medication or contact your healthcare provider for guidance [1.2.1].

The main components include the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), mucoadhesive polymers to help it stick to the cheek, a backing layer in unidirectional patches to control drug release direction, and plasticizers to ensure flexibility and comfort [1.5.4, 1.5.5].