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title: "Sublingual Medications: How They Work and Guide"
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source_url: "https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/sublingual-and-buccal-medication-administration"
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summary: "Sublingual and buccal medication administration are alternative routes for drug delivery that bypass the digestive system, allowing medications to absorb directly into the bloodstream through the mouth's mucosal lining. This method is faster than traditional oral medication and is particularly useful in emergencies, though it requires proper technique and awareness of factors that can affect absorption."
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# Sublingual Medications: How They Work and Guide

When a medication requires sublingual administration, you need to place it under your tongue so it can dissolve and absorb into your blood through the oral mucosa (the lining of your mouth). This article explains why some drugs are taken sublingually and how to use them properly. How do sublingual medications work? The sublingual route of absorbing medication is an alternative to the traditional oral route. A drug may be best taken sublingually for the following reasons: The drug needs to get into your system quickly. You have trouble swallowing medication. The medication doesn’t absorb well in the stomach. The effects of the drug would be decreased by digestion. The area under the tongue has many capillaries, or tiny blood vessels. These help sublingual drugs be absorbed directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and allowing them to work more quickly. Because sublingual drugs aren’t metabolized by the liver, you may be able to take a lower dose and still get the same results. Sublingual administration can be important during emergencies when you need the drug to work right away, such as during a heart attack. Are there disadvantages to sublingual drugs? Sometimes, sublingual medications aren’t appropriate or aren’t the most effective route into the bloodstream. You and your doctor should be aware of the following when considering sublingual medications: Eating, drinking, or smoking can affect how the drug is absorbed and how well it works. Sublingual administration doesn’t work for drugs that need to be processed slowly by your system, such as extended-release formulations. Any open sores in your mouth can also become irritated by sublingual medication. Examples of sublingual medications Sublingual drugs come as tablets, films, gels, or sprays. Some sublingual medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) include : apomorphine ( Kynmobi ) film buprenorphine (Subutex) desmopressin acetate ( Nocdurna ) tablet ergotamine tartrate (Ergomar) tablet nitroglycerin (Nitrolingual) spray zolpidem tartrate (Edluar) tablet melatonin sublingual tablets allergy medications (Grastek, Oralair, Odactra, Ragwitek) How to take sublingual medications A healthcare professional can advise how to take sublingual medications if you haven’t used them before. To ensure the medication dissolves under the tongue and is absorbed into your bloodstream, follow these steps: Drink a sip of water a few minutes before placing the medication so your mouth is moist. This will help it dissolve. Wash your hands to avoid contamination. Sit upright to avoid accidental swallowing. Place the medication directly under your tongue. It can help to use a mirror to guide you. If you’re using a sublingual spray or gel, follow the instructions your healthcare professional gives you. Let the medication dissolve, which can take a few minutes. Do not chew, suck, or swallow the medication. Don’t move around too much while it’s dissolving to avoid swallowing it. Do not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum until you’re sure the medication has been absorbed. Sublingual vs. buccal medications Buccal administration involves placing a drug between your gums and cheek, where it dissolves and is absorbed into your blood. Buccal medications must pass through a thicker mucosal lining, which means they’re often absorbed more slowly than sublingual medications. Both methods bypass the digestive system so they don’t require the liver to metabolize them. Examples of buccal medications include: nicotine polacrilex (Nicorette) gum lidocaine (Dentipatch) extended-release film fentanyl (Fentora) tablet Frequently asked questions How long does it take for sublingual medications to work? Sublingual medications work within minutes , usually starting to take effect as soon as they dissolve. This is much faster than oral medications, which take longer because they must be digested first. Are there any side effects specific to sublingual medications? Sublingual medications can sometimes cause irritation, sensitivity, or small sores in the delicate tissues under your tongue. Some people also find that the medication has an unpleasant bitter or metallic taste. What should I do if I accidentally swallow a sublingual tablet? If you accidentally swallow a sublingual tablet, don’t worry, but be aware that it will work much more slowly and may be less effective. Do not take an extra dose to make up for it, but contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Are sublingual medications more expensive than regular oral medications? Cost varies depending on the medication, your insurance coverage, and whether a generic version is available. Sublingual medications are often more expensive than oral medications because they are more complex to manufacture. » MORE>> Search for your medication on Optum Perks to see available coupons and download a free Optum Perks discount card. Optum Perks is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more. Takeaway Sublingual medications are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and can be a useful alternative for people who have trouble swallowing pills. Tell your doctor if you smoke or have open sores in your mouth if they prescribe sublingual or buccal medication for you. They will give advice about the best way to take the medication. Disclaimer: While Healthline strives for factual, comprehensive, and current consumer drug information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity .