Sublingual tablets are used to quickly deliver medication into the bloodstream, often to manage specific conditions.
Uses of Sublingual Tablets
Sublingual tablets, which dissolve under the tongue, are primarily used for rapid drug absorption, bypassing the digestive system. This method is particularly useful in emergency situations or when a quick response is needed.
According to the reference material, sublingual tablets, along with sublingual powders and oral sprays, are specifically used:
- To stop an angina attack that has already started.
- To prevent angina if you plan to exercise or expect a stressful event.
Therefore, a primary use of sublingual tablets is for the treatment and prevention of angina.
Benefits of Sublingual Administration
The sublingual route offers several advantages:
- Rapid Absorption: The medication is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the tissues under the tongue, leading to a faster onset of action compared to swallowing a pill.
- Avoidance of First-Pass Metabolism: By bypassing the digestive system, the medication avoids being metabolized by the liver before reaching the bloodstream, resulting in higher bioavailability.
- Ease of Use: Sublingual tablets are easy to administer, especially for individuals who have difficulty swallowing pills.
Examples of Sublingual Medications
While the provided reference focuses on angina, other medications also come in sublingual form:
- Nitroglycerin: As stated in the reference, is used to treat angina.
- Buprenorphine: Used for pain management and opioid addiction treatment.
- Certain vitamins: Some vitamins, like Vitamin B12, are available in sublingual form for better absorption.
