Buzz
Sublingual medication is a type of drug that dissolves and absorbs directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes of the mouth once placed under the tongue. This allows for fast absorption, bypassing the digestive system, and avoids losing effectiveness during the first pass through the stomach and liver. Doctors may prescribe sublingual medications to treat certain conditions, or when patients have difficulty swallowing or digesting pills. It's important to learn how to properly use sublingual medications to ensure the right dosage and effectiveness.
Steps to Follow
Preparing to Use Sublingual Medication
Wash your hands thoroughly. It's important to clean your hands before and after using the medication to prevent the spread of germs and infections.
- Use both hands to lather antibacterial soap, cleaning between your fingers and under your nails. Rub for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse the soap off with warm water, making sure no soap or dirt is left on your hands.
- Dry your hands with a clean paper towel.
Wear clean gloves when administering medication to others. Use rubber or nitrile gloves to prevent germs from transferring to the patient and protect yourself.
- Ensure that the patient is not allergic to rubber before wearing rubber gloves.
Carefully check the prescribed sublingual medication. Using the wrong medication can reduce its effectiveness. Some common sublingual medications include:
- Cardiovascular drugs (such as nitroglycerin and verapamil)
- Certain steroids
- Some painkillers
- Some sedatives
- Enzymes
- Certain vitamins and minerals
- Some psychiatric medications
Check the frequency and dosage of the prescribed medication. Before using the medication, you need to confirm the exact dosage and timing of the doses.
Cut the medication into smaller pieces if needed. Some oral medications require only a portion of the tablet, especially for sublingual use. In such cases, you should cut the medication before using it.
- Use a pill cutter if available. This method provides more accuracy than using your hands or a knife.
- Clean the cutter before and after cutting the medication. This step is important to prevent contamination and avoid transferring germs to other medications.
Using Sublingual Medication
Sit up straight. The person taking the medication should be seated upright before administering the medication.
- Do not lie down or administer the medication when unconscious. This may cause the patient to accidentally inhale the medication.
Do not eat or drink while using the medication. Rinse your mouth with water before placing the medication under your tongue. You should not eat or drink while using sublingual medication, as swallowing the medication could reduce its effectiveness.
Avoid smoking at least one hour before using sublingual medication. Smoking constricts blood vessels and the mucous membranes in the mouth, reducing the absorption rate of the medication.
Be aware of potential risks. Since this medication is placed under the tongue, patients may experience jaw fatigue, pain, or irritation from holding the mouth open for too long. Eating, drinking, or smoking can all affect the absorption speed and dosage. You should avoid using sublingual medication for prolonged periods.
Place the medication under your tongue. You can place the medication on the underside of the tongue, near the frenulum (the connective tissue under the tongue).
- Tilt your head forward to prevent swallowing the medication.
Keep the medication under your tongue for the recommended time. Most medications dissolve within one to three minutes. Avoid opening your mouth, eating, talking, moving, or standing during this time to ensure the medication stays in place and dissolves and absorbs fully.
- The effects of sublingual nitroglycerin start around 5 minutes and may last up to 30 minutes. The dissolution time can vary depending on the medication. You should consult your pharmacist or doctor about how long it takes for your sublingual medication to dissolve.
- After nitroglycerin takes effect, you may feel a mild tingling sensation on your tongue.
Do not swallow the medication. Sublingual medication is meant to be absorbed under the tongue.
- Swallowing the medication can reduce absorption and affect the dosage.
- If you accidentally swallow the medication, consult with your doctor or pharmacist about the correct dosage.
Wait a bit before drinking or rinsing your mouth. This allows the medication to fully dissolve and be absorbed by the mucous membranes.
Tips
- Depending on how long the medication takes to dissolve, you can take the time to read a book or watch TV.
- Suck on a mint or take a small sip of water just before using the medication to increase saliva production.
Warning
- Do not place regular medication under your tongue. Some medications need to be digested for absorption, and using them sublingually can reduce their effectiveness or even cause harm.
