Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

Sublingual drugs are drugs that dissolve and dissolve in the mouth after the patient is placed under the tongue. The drug dissolves into the bloodstream through the mucous membrane, allowing for rapid absorption without losing the drug effect when first metabolized in the intestines and liver. The doctor may prescribe sublingual medications to treat certain conditions, or in cases where the patient has difficulty swallowing or digesting medications. You should learn how to use sublingual medications to ensure the right dose and effectiveness.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Preparing sublingual medication

1. 

   Wash your hands well. You should clean your hands first and after taking medicines to prevent bacteria and infectious diseases.
   • Use both hands to create antibacterial soap bubbles, and wash between your fingers and under the nails. Rub for at least 20 seconds.
   • Rinse off the soap with warm water. Hands must be free of soap and dirt.
   • Use a clean paper towel to dry your hands.

2. 

   
   
   Wear clean gloves if ordering someone else. Wear rubber or nylon gloves to prevent germs from spreading to the patient, as well as to protect yourself.
   • Make sure the patient does not have a latex allergy before wearing latex gloves.

3. 

   
   
   Carefully examine any prescribed sublingual medication. Using the wrong drugs can reduce their effectiveness. Some common sublingual medications include:
   • cardiovascular medications (such as nitroglycerin and verapamil)
   • some steroids
   • some pain relievers
   • some sedatives
   • enzymes
   • several vitamins and minerals
   • some psychiatric drugs

4. 

   
   
   Double-check the frequency and dosage of the medicine prescribed. Before using the drug, you need to determine the exact dosage and duration of the drug.

5. 

   Cut the medicine into small pieces if necessary. Some oral medications require only a portion of the pill, if it is sublingual. In this case, you need to cut off the medication before taking it.
   • Use a medication cutter if possible. This type of cutting is more precise than using a hand or knife.
   • Clean the blade before and after cutting the pill. This step is important in preventing the medication from contaminating and inadvertently contaminating the other medication.
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Part 2 of 2: Sublingual medication

1. 

   Sit up straight. Drug users must sit upright before placing the drug.
   • Do not lie down or administer medication while unconscious. This can cause the patient to accidentally inhale the medication.

2. 

   Do not eat or drink while taking the drug. Rinse mouth with water before placing the medication. You should not eat or drink while taking sublingual medication because it may be swallowed to reduce its effectiveness.

3. 

   Do not smoke for at least an hour before taking sublingual medications. Tobacco narrows blood vessels and mucous membranes in the mouth, reducing the absorption of the drug.

4. 

   Be aware of potential risks. Because the drug is used under the tongue, the patient with a long mouth opening may experience fatigue, pain, or irritation. Eating, drinking, and smoking all affect the rate of absorption and dose.You should not use sublingual medication for long periods of time.

5. 

   Put the medicine under the tongue. You can place the medication on the edge of the brake cord (the connective tissue under the tongue).
   • Head your head forward to avoid swallowing pills.

6. 

   Keep the suppository under the tongue for the allotted time. Most medications have a dissolution time of between one and three minutes. Avoid opening your mouth, eating, talking, moving, or getting up during this time to allow the medicine to settle and dissolve and absorb it completely.
   • Time to effect of nitroglycerin sublingual after about 5 minutes and can last up to 30 minutes. The amount of time it takes to dissolve may vary depending on the drug. Consult your pharmacist or doctor about the time it takes to dissolve sublingual medication.
   • After the nitroglycerin takes effect, you should experience a mild tingling sensation in your tongue.

7. 

   Do not swallow the medication. Sublingual medication must be absorbed under the tongue.
   • Ingestion of the drug can reduce absorption efficiency and erroneous dosage.
   • Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the correct dosage if you accidentally swallow the medicine.

8. 

   Wait a while before drinking the water or rinsing your mouth. This allows the drug to dissolve completely and penetrate into the mucous membrane. advertisement

Advice

• Depending on the amount of time it takes to dissolve the medicine, you can take the time to read books or watch television.
• Suck on mints or have a sip of water small just before taking the drug to enhance saliva secretion.

Warning

• Do not put conventional medicine under the tongue. Some drugs need to be digested for osmosis, and will be less effective or even harmful if taken under the tongue.