Sublingual drugs are pills that disintegrate when placed under the tongue. After dissolving, they are quickly transferred to the bloodstream, directly from the mucous membranes of the mouth, allowing the quick absorption of the components and preventing the drug's potency from being diminished, something that occurs in the metabolism after the first passage in the stomach and liver. Doctors may recommend sublingual medications to treat certain conditions or if the patient has difficulty swallowing or digesting the pills. Understand how to administer sublingual medication to ensure medication dosage and effectiveness.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Preparing Sublingual Drug Administration
Step 1. Wash your hands
it must be done before and after administration of medicines to prevent the spread of germs and infectious diseases.
- Apply antibacterial soap to your hands, rubbing the spot between your fingers and also under your nails. Rub the soap into your hands for at least 20 seconds.
- Thoroughly rinse your hands under hot water. Make sure all soap is removed, as well as dirt and debris.
- Dry your hands using clean, disposable paper towels.
Step 2. Wear disposable gloves when administering medications to others
Wearing latex or nitrile gloves prevents germs from being transmitted to the patient, as well as protecting the individual preparing the medication.
Check with the patient for latex allergy before wearing gloves with this material
Step 3. Double-check that prescribed medications should be administered sublingually
If the drug is not sublingual, its effectiveness may be reduced. Some of the most common sublingual medications are:
- heart medications (such as nitroglycerin and verapamil);
- some steroids;
- some barbiturates;
- some opioids;
- enzymes;
- certain vitamins;
- some medications to treat mental illnesses.
Step 4. Look once more at the dosage and dosage of the prescribed medicine
Before taking or administering any type of medication, it is important to confirm the prescribed dosage and dosage.
Step 5. Cut off the pill, if necessary
Only half the pill of some oral medications should be taken sublingually. If this is the case, the pill needs to be cut before it is administered.
- If possible, use a pill cutter. It is far more accurate than cutting through a knife.
- Clean the blade before and after cutting the medicine. This is very important as it will prevent accidental contamination of the pill (whether by microorganisms or other medications).
Method 2 of 2: Administering Sublingual Medications
Step 1. Sit up straight and in an upright posture
The individual who will consume the drug must be positioned straight before administering the drug.
Do not allow the patient to lie down or give the medicine while he is unconscious, as accidental aspiration of the tablet may occur
Step 2. Do not eat or drink while administering medication
Rinse your mouth with water before consuming them, without drinking or eating, as the chance of swallowing the tablet will be greatly increased (decreasing its effectiveness).
Step 3. Do not smoke for at least one hour before taking the sublingual tablet
Cigarette smoke compresses the blood vessels and mucous membranes in the mouth, reducing the level of absorption of the sublingual medicine.
Step 4. Be aware of possible risks
Since sublingual remedies must be administered by mouth, patients with oral lesions may suffer from pain or irritation. Eating, drinking and smoking are actions that can interfere with the absorption rate of drug components. Therefore, it is recommended that they are not prescribed for very long periods.
Step 5. Place the tablet under your tongue
The medicine can be placed on either side of the tongue's frenulum (the connective tissue under the tongue).
Tilt your head forward to avoid swallowing the tablet
Step 6. Hold the medicine under your tongue for the prescribed period
Most medications will dissolve in one to three minutes. Avoid eating, talking, moving your mouth or standing at this time so that the tablet does not move and is fully absorbed.
- The amount of time required for the tablet to disintegrate may vary with each medication. Consult a pharmacist or doctor and define how long it will take for the medicine to be absorbed.
- If the sublingual nitroglycerin is too strong, your tongue will tingle.
Step 7. Do not swallow the tablet
Sublingual drugs need to be absorbed through the membrane of the site.
- Swallowing sublingual medications can cause inadequate or incomplete absorption of the medication, interfering with the administration of the correct dosage.
- Ask a doctor or pharmacist how the dosage can be corrected in case of swallowing a sublingual tablet.
Step 8. Before drinking or rinsing your mouth, wait a few minutes
It is necessary to ensure that the drug has been completely dissolved and absorbed through the mucous membranes.
Tips
- suck a lozenge or give a little sip water immediately before administering the tablet to facilitate salivation.
- Depending on how long it takes for the medicine to dissolve, an activity that doesn't involve conversation-such as reading a book, magazine, or watching a movie-may help the pill fall apart more quickly.