How is medication taken when it is placed under the tongue?

When medication is placed under the tongue, it is classified as sublingual administration. This route allows the medication to dissolve and be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes present under the tongue. This method is often chosen for its rapid onset of action because the medication bypasses the digestive system and liver metabolism, which can delay the effect.

Sublingual medications are typically in the form of tablets, films, or sprays specifically designed to dissolve quickly in the mouth. This route is especially useful for medications that require quick absorption or those that may be broken down or inactivated by the digestive system.

In contrast, oral administration refers to medications taken by mouth and swallowed, which then need to be processed through the gastrointestinal tract. Topical administration involves applying medications to the skin or mucous membranes for localized effect, while intragastric administration pertains to medication delivered directly into the stomach, requiring different delivery methods such as tubes.