Why pills are taken under the tongue by some people ?

10 months ago
12

Some medications are taken under the tongue, a method known as **sublingual administration**. Here's why:

1. **Fast Absorption**: The area under the tongue and the cheek have many capillaries, or tiny blood vessels. When a medication is placed under the tongue, it dissolves and is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through these capillaries. This allows the medication to work quickly, which can be crucial during emergencies.

2. **Avoids Digestive System**: Sublingual medications bypass the digestive system, so they aren't metabolized through your liver. This means you may be able to take a lower dose and still get the same results.

3. **Easier to Take**: For people who have trouble swallowing pills, sublingual medications can be easier to take.

However, there are also some disadvantages. Eating, drinking, or smoking can affect how the drug is absorbed and how well it works. Also, these forms don't work for drugs that need to be processed slowly by your system, such as extended-release formulations. Any open sores in your mouth can also become irritated by the medication. It's always best to follow your doctor's instructions when taking medication.

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