Chewable tablets are absorbed through a combination of processes, starting in the mouth.
While chewable tablets don't differ drastically from other solid oral medications, their absorption pathway involves a unique initial step. Here's a breakdown:
- Initial Release in the Oral Cavity: Chewing initiates the drug release within the mouth.
- Buccal Absorption: The drug substance is then absorbed through the buccal mucosa, which is the lining of the cheek. According to research, the drug substance from chewable tablets will be absorbed through the buccal mucosa.
- Direct Systemic Circulation: Absorption through the buccal mucosa allows the drug to bypass the first-pass metabolism in the liver. The drug then passes via the jugular veins directly into the systemic circulation.
In summary, chewable tablets begin their absorption in the mouth, leveraging the buccal mucosa for direct entry into the bloodstream, similar to other oral medications but with an advantage of bypassing the liver initially.
