Final answer:
Medications administered next to the cheek use the buccal route, which is a convenient alternative for home administration when drugs are not well-absorbed in the GI tract, unlike the parenteral route used in health-care settings.
Step-by-step explanation:
When medications are placed next to the cheek, they are administered by the buccal route.
This method is particularly useful when a drug is not effectively absorbed in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, or when there is a need for rapid absorption into the bloodstream without going through the GI system.
While the parenteral route (intravenous or intramuscular injection) is often used in health-care settings and is preferred for achieving higher plasma levels for treating serious infections, it is not always convenient for home administration due to the required medical equipment and expertise.
In contrast, the buccal route can be a more appropriate and convenient method for home administration of certain medications.
When considering the administration of an antimicrobial to treat a systemic infection at home, the oral route is generally considered appropriate and convenient as well, as it is non-invasive and easy to administer.