What type of medication administration involves placing medication under the tongue?

Sublingual administration is a method where medication is placed under the tongue, allowing it to dissolve and be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes. This route is beneficial because it can provide rapid action of the medication, bypassing the digestive system and liver metabolism, which can sometimes alter the efficacy of certain drugs when taken orally.

This method is particularly used for medications that need to act quickly or that would be poorly absorbed or inactivated by the gastrointestinal tract. Medications that are commonly administered this way include certain buprenorphine formulations and nitroglycerin for angina.

In this context, other routes such as those corresponding to the incorrect choices operate differently. Intravenous administration involves injecting medication directly into the bloodstream, topical administration refers to applying medication directly to the skin or mucous surfaces, and oral administration involves swallowing medication, which requires the drug to pass through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream. Each method has its specific indications and absorption profiles, making sublingual administration unique in its rapid onset and ease of use.