Medications administered underneath the tongue that need to dissolve before eating or drinking are known as what?

Medications that are administered underneath the tongue and require dissolution before the patient eats or drinks are referred to as the sublingual route. This method allows for rapid absorption directly into the bloodstream through the rich blood supply of the sublingual area, bypassing the digestive system and liver metabolism, which is advantageous for certain medications. Sublingual tablets or films dissolve quickly, ensuring that the medication is effective without delay.

The buccal route involves placing the medication between the gums and the inner lining of the cheek, which is distinct from the sublingual method despite both being mucosal routes for drug administration. Oral medication typically refers to any drug taken by mouth but does not specify the method of absorption, which can involve the digestive tract. Transdermal patches deliver medication through the skin over a prolonged period, which is a completely different administration route from sublingual delivery. Understanding these distinctions reinforces the knowledge of various pharmaceutical administration methods.