wes Drug transport is by passive diffusion, drug absorption is low, which results in a low bioavailability (Shojaei, 1998). Buccal mucosa, like the small intestine. offers a lipoidal barrier and this route is usually practical for small lipophilic molecules (Washing- ton et al., 2001b}. Only a few hydrophilic drugs or compounds such as certain amino acids and monosaccharides have been reported to be transported via a carrier-mediated process (Harris and Robinson, 1992, Rathbone and Hadgraft, 1991; Veuillez et al. 2001). Taste masking may be necessary for drugs that are bitter or irritable. The total area for drug absorption is small (100 to 170 cm?) when compared to the total area of gastrointestinal absorption (Washington etal., 2001a) The dosage form must be kept in place for effective absorption because salivary flow may wash away the dissolved drug and the dosage form. may be swallowed prior to drug dissolution.