Where are sublingual tablets designed to dissolve?

Sublingual tablets are specifically designed to dissolve under the tongue. This administration route allows for rapid absorption into the bloodstream through the rich supply of blood vessels in that area. When a sublingual tablet is placed under the tongue, it bypasses the digestive system and liver metabolism, leading to quicker onset of action for certain medications. This method is particularly beneficial for drugs that need to provide quick relief or for those that are poorly absorbed when taken orally via other routes.

In contrast, medications that dissolve in the stomach or intestines would be absorbed more slowly, and those designed to be held between the cheek and gum (buccal tablets) follow a different absorption pathway than sublingual formulations. Understanding these distinct routes is essential for their effective use and therapeutic outcomes.