RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of physicochemical properties of drug on its permeability through buccal mucosa.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Benzoic acid, caffeine and hydrocortisone were selected as model drugs and their permeability coefficients through isolated porcine buccal mucosa were determined.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The permeability coefficients of benzoic acid, caffeine and hydrocortisone through isolated porcine buccal mucosa were (1.01 x 10(-4)+/-1.64 x 10(-5))cm.s(-1)ì(2.75 x 10(-5)+/-1.79 x 10(-6))cm.s(-1) and (2.49 x 10(-5)+/-6.32 x 10(-6))cm.s(-1), which were 14,989 and 389 times as those through human skin, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The permeability of drugs through buccal mucosa seems to be much better than that through human skin.</p>