What is the Origin of Sublingual Administration?

The technique is rooted in clinical pharmacology, where the rich capillary network beneath the tongue was identified as an effective anatomical pathway for rapid systemic absorption. The Latin prefix "sub" (under) and "lingua" (tongue) clearly define the location of application.

What is the Mechanism of Sublingual Administration?

The mechanism relies on the rapid passive diffusion of the lipophilic hormone or drug across the thin, permeable sublingual mucosa directly into the local venous drainage. These veins merge into the systemic circulation, allowing the compound to achieve high plasma concentrations quickly without being subjected to the immediate enzymatic breakdown and metabolic clearance of the liver, which would occur with oral ingestion.

Sublingual Administration ∞ Area

Sublingual Administration

Meaning

A route of drug or hormone delivery where the therapeutic agent is placed directly under the tongue and allowed to dissolve and be absorbed through the highly vascularized mucous membranes of the oral cavity. This method is a key strategy for bypassing the destructive effects of first-pass hepatic metabolism and the gastrointestinal environment.