Which route of administration delivers medication under the tongue?

Which route of administration delivers medication under the tongue?

• A. Sublingual
• B. Buccal
• C. Oral
• D. Intramuscular

Answer: (A)

Sublingual administration delivers medication under the tongue. This route lets the drug dissolve in the mouth and be absorbed directly through the sublingual mucosa into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and first-pass metabolism by the liver. Because of that, onset is rapid, which is important for drugs that need quick effect and may be inactivated by stomach acid. A common example is nitroglycerin taken for chest pain, which works quickly when placed under the tongue. The buccal route also uses mucous membranes for absorption, but it’s along the cheek rather than under the tongue, so it’s a different location of mucosal absorption. The oral route involves swallowing, so the medication goes through the stomach and intestines (slower and subject to first-pass metabolism). Intramuscular involves injecting into muscle, a non-mucosal, non-oral route entirely. If giving a sublingual med, remind to let it dissolve completely without swallowing right away.

Sublingual administration delivers medication under the tongue. This route lets the drug dissolve in the mouth and be absorbed directly through the sublingual mucosa into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and first-pass metabolism by the liver. Because of that, onset is rapid, which is important for drugs that need quick effect and may be inactivated by stomach acid. A common example is nitroglycerin taken for chest pain, which works quickly when placed under the tongue.

The buccal route also uses mucous membranes for absorption, but it’s along the cheek rather than under the tongue, so it’s a different location of mucosal absorption. The oral route involves swallowing, so the medication goes through the stomach and intestines (slower and subject to first-pass metabolism). Intramuscular involves injecting into muscle, a non-mucosal, non-oral route entirely. If giving a sublingual med, remind to let it dissolve completely without swallowing right away.