Which medication is known for its rapid absorption through mucous membranes?

Fentanyl is known for its rapid absorption through mucous membranes, which is one of the reasons it is frequently used in acute pain management, particularly in emergency settings. This characteristic allows fentanyl to quickly enter the bloodstream, providing swift analgesic effects. The mucous membranes inside the mouth or nasal passages facilitate this fast absorption, making routes such as sublingual or intranasal applications particularly effective.

Fexofenadine, while an effective antihistamine for allergies, does not exhibit rapid absorption via mucous membranes; it is primarily absorbed through oral administration with a slower onset of action. Frusemide, a loop diuretic, is usually administered intravenously or orally, and similarly, it does not have the rapid absorption profile through mucous membranes. Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), also requires oral administration for absorption and does not utilize mucous membrane pathways for quick therapeutic effects. Therefore, fentanyl stands out as the medication known for its ability to be rapidly absorbed through mucous membranes, making it a critical component in emergency pharmacotherapy.