Which route is defined by placing medication under the tongue to dissolve slowly?

• A. Oral route
• B. Transdermal route
• C. Buccal route
• D. Sublingual route

Answer: (D)

Sublingual administration is defined by placing the medication under the tongue so it dissolves there and is absorbed directly through the rich mucosal blood supply. This route allows quick entry into the bloodstream and bypasses the liver’s first-pass metabolism, leading to a rapid onset of effects. It’s different from the buccal route, which targets the cheek’s mucosa between teeth and gums; the oral route involves swallowing the drug for absorption in the digestive system, and transdermal delivery passes through the skin for slower, sustained release. So, placing the drug under the tongue to dissolve is the sublingual route.