What is the route for medications administered underneath the tongue that need to dissolve?

The sublingual route is the correct choice for medications that are administered underneath the tongue and require dissolution for absorption. This method allows the medication to enter the bloodstream quickly through the tissues in the mouth, providing rapid therapeutic effects. Medications taken via the sublingual route bypass the digestive system and the liver, avoiding first-pass metabolism, which can enhance their efficacy.

Using this route is particularly beneficial for medications that need to act quickly or that are not well absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract. Sublingual administration is often used for certain heart medications, such as nitroglycerin, which require prompt action.

In contrast, the buccal route involves placing a medication between the gums and the inner lining of the cheek, where it dissolves and is also absorbed but is a distinct method from sublingual delivery. The parenteral route involves injection and does not involve oral administration. The oral route typically requires the medication to be swallowed and absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, which is slower and not ideal for substances that need to dissolve quickly under the tongue.