Which statement about sublingual medications is true?

Which statement about sublingual medications is true?

• A. They should be swallowed immediately.
• B. They should be kept with the client until dissolved.
• C. They can be taken with meals.
• D. They should be chewed.

Answer: (B)

Sub-lingual medications are designed to be absorbed through the tissue under the tongue, bypassing the digestive system for rapid effect. Because of this route, they must stay under the tongue until they’re fully dissolved. If they’re swallowed, absorbed, or chewed, the medicine won’t enter the bloodstream as intended and its effect may be diminished or delayed. Meals or chewing can also disrupt the dissolution process and absorption. So keeping the medication with the client until it’s dissolved ensures it works as intended.

Sub-lingual medications are designed to be absorbed through the tissue under the tongue, bypassing the digestive system for rapid effect. Because of this route, they must stay under the tongue until they’re fully dissolved. If they’re swallowed, absorbed, or chewed, the medicine won’t enter the bloodstream as intended and its effect may be diminished or delayed. Meals or chewing can also disrupt the dissolution process and absorption. So keeping the medication with the client until it’s dissolved ensures it works as intended.