The abbreviation "sl" is commonly used to indicate what route of administration?

The abbreviation "sl" stands for sublingual, which refers to a route of administration where medication is placed under the tongue. This method allows for rapid absorption of the drug directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes in the mouth, bypassing the digestive system. This is particularly useful for medications that require quick onset of action or for those that might be degraded by gastrointestinal acids.

Using the sublingual route is beneficial for certain medications, such as nitroglycerin for angina, as it can lead to quicker therapeutic effects. Understanding this route of administration is vital for pharmacy technicians, as it influences how medications are prepared and dispensed.

The other options refer to different routes: subcutaneous involves injections into the fatty tissue under the skin; intramuscular involves injections into a muscle; and intravenous refers to administering medications directly into the bloodstream through a vein. Each of these routes has different protocols, absorption rates, and implications for patient care, but "sl" specifically and accurately denotes sublingual administration.