What is the term for placing a medication into the cheek pouch for absorption?

The correct term for placing a medication into the cheek pouch for absorption is buccal. This method allows the medication to dissolve in the saliva and be absorbed through the mucous membranes in the cheek area, leading to systemic circulation without being subjected to first-pass metabolism by the liver, which can diminish the medication's effectiveness.

Sublingual administration refers specifically to placing medication under the tongue for absorption, which is a related but distinct route. Oral administration, on the other hand, involves swallowing a medication, meaning it goes through the digestive system before reaching systemic circulation. Topical administration pertains to medications applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes, targeting a localized area rather than systemic absorption. Consequently, buccal is the most accurate choice for the described method of administration.