In reference to medication, what does 'SL' mean?

The term 'SL' in reference to medication stands for 'sublingually.' This route of administration involves placing the medication under the tongue, where it dissolves and is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes. This method allows for rapid onset of action due to the rich blood supply in the area, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract and first-pass metabolism in the liver.

Understanding this route is important for pharmacy technicians because certain medications are designed for sublingual delivery to achieve effectiveness more quickly than oral administration would allow. The significance of sublingual administration could also relate to medications that are sensitive to stomach acid or would be degraded by digestive enzymes if taken orally.