What is a troche?

A troche is defined as a flat, round dosage form that is designed to dissolve in the mouth. This formulation allows for the medication to be absorbed through the mucous membranes in the oral cavity, which can provide a quicker onset of action compared to forms that must be swallowed and absorbed through the digestive tract.

Troches are often used to deliver medications that need to be effective quickly or to minimize gastrointestinal side effects, making them particularly useful in specific therapeutic contexts, such as for treating local conditions or delivering certain systemic agents. The design of a troche aids in both convenience for the patient and efficacy of the medication.

The other options do not accurately describe a troche. A liquid medication, for example, would not have the same form or method of administration as a troche, nor would injectable forms, which require a syringe or needle. Similarly, while sustained release tablets are designed to release their active ingredients over time, they do not dissolve in the mouth like troches do.