Sublingual medications are medications that dissolve or break up in the mouth and are taken by placing them under the tongue. This drug enters the bloodstream through the mucous membrane of the mouth after being dissolved so that it can be absorbed quickly, besides that the potency of the drug is also not reduced because it does not go through first-pass metabolism in the stomach and liver. Doctors may recommend this medication for certain conditions, or for patients who have difficulty swallowing or digesting medication. Understanding how to use sublingual drugs will ensure the right dose and effectiveness of the drug.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Preparation Before Using Sublingual Medication
Step 1. Wash your hands
You should wash your hands before and after using the medicine to prevent the spread of germs and infectious diseases.
- Rub the antibacterial soap into a lather between your palms, between your fingers and under your nails. Apply the suds for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse the soap thoroughly with warm water. Make sure to rinse off the soap until it's clean and that no more dirt remains on your hands.
- Dry your hands with a clean disposable tissue.
Step 2. Wear clean medical gloves if you are giving medicine to someone else
Wear latex or nitrile gloves to prevent the transfer of germs to the patient while protecting the person administering the drug to the patient.
Make sure that the patient is not allergic to latex before you put on latex gloves
Step 3. Double-check whether the medication was prescribed for sublingual use
Using a nonsublingual drug under the tongue will reduce its efficacy. Drugs commonly used sublingually include:
- Heart medications (such as nitroglycerin and verapamil)
- Certain steroid drugs
- Certain opiate drugs
- Certain barbiturate drugs
- Enzyme
- Certain vitamins and minerals
- Certain mental health drugs
Step 4. Recheck the frequency of use and dosage of prescription drugs
Before using or administering any medicine, you must ensure that the dosage of the preparation and the frequency of use/administration are correct.
Step 5. Split the tablet if necessary
Some oral medications only need to be used partially if used sublingually. In this case, you may have to split the medicinal talc before use.
- Use medicine cutters if possible. The results will be more precise than simply breaking the tablet with your hand or a knife.
- Clean the blade before and after cutting the tablet. This step is very important, both to prevent contamination and mixing of tablets with other drugs.
Part 2 of 2: Using Sublingual Medication
Step 1. Sit up straight
People taking the drug should always sit up straight beforehand.
Do not let the patient lie down or try to give medication to an unconscious person. This can cause the patient to choke on the drug
Step 2. Do not eat or drink while using the medicine
Gargle with water before using the medicine. You should not eat or drink while using sublingual medications because there is a risk of swallowing them which will reduce their effectiveness.
Step 3. Do not smoke for at least 1 hour before using sublingual medication
Cigarettes will constrict blood vessels and mucous membranes of the mouth thereby reducing the absorption rate of sublingual drugs.
Step 4. Know the potential risks
Sublingual medications are taken by mouth so patients with open canker sores may feel pain or irritation. Eating, drinking, and smoking can interfere with the rate at which a dose of medication is absorbed. Generally sublingual drugs are recommended not to be used in the long term.
Step 5. Put the medicine under the tongue
Medication can be placed on either side of the frenulum (connective tissue under the tongue).
Tilt your head so you don't swallow the medicine
Step 6. Keep the medication under the tongue for the prescribed time
Most drugs will dissolve in about 3 minutes. Avoid opening your mouth, eating, drinking, talking, moving, or standing during this time to prevent the tablet from moving and ensure it dissolves completely.
- The start time of action of sublingual nitroglycerin is 5 minutes and the duration of its effect can last up to 30 minutes. The time it takes for the drug to dissolve may vary. Consult a pharmacist or talk to a doctor to find out how long it will take for your medication to dissolve.
- If the sublingual nitroglycerin you are using is potent, you should feel a mild tingling sensation on your tongue.
Step 7. Do not swallow sublingual medication
Sublingual drugs must be absorbed under the tongue.
- Swallowing sublingual drugs will cause erratic and incomplete absorption, causing the dosage to be incorrect.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist to adjust your medication dose if you accidentally swallow a sublingual medication.
Step 8. Wait a while before drinking or gargling
That way, the drug has time to dissolve completely and has a chance to be absorbed into the mucous membrane.
Tips
- You may need to be prepared to be silent for a while depending on the dissolving time of the medication. Try reading a book or magazine, or watching TV.
- Try sucking on mints or sips of water right before using the medicine to stimulate salivation.
Warning
-
Do not attempt to use the drug sublingually if it is not prescribed as such.
Some drugs require gastrointestinal assistance to be absorbed and may be less effective or even dangerous if used sublingually.
