Dictionary

Sublingual refers to administering a substance by placing it under the tongue. In substance use, sublingual administration delivers drugs or other active compounds directly into the bloodstream through the blood vessels under the tongue, bypassing the digestive system.

This method of administration can be used with various types of drugs, including medications for pain, anxiety, or addiction, as well as supplements and vitamins. The sublingual route of administration provides rapid and direct absorption into the bloodstream, which can result in faster onset and more consistent effects than oral administration.

Sublingual administration is commonly used with medications that need to be absorbed quickly, such as nitroglycerin for angina or sublingual buprenorphine for opioid addiction. It is also used as an alternative for some medications, such as growth hormone, to avoid the discomfort and potential risks associated with injection.