Sublingual

The term sublingual is derived from latin origins, where ‘sub’ means ‘under’ and ‘lingua’ refers to the ‘tongue’. Sublingual therefore refers to anything under the tongue. In healthcare this is used as a direction of where to place medicines, such as medical cannabis.

By placing a medication under the tongue, it crosses the thin lining of the mouth entering the rich blood supply to that area. This allows the medication to initially avoid the digestive tract which means it is broken down more slowly and can have longer lasting effects. With medical cannabis this is the most common way people take oil-based preparations. For those who find it difficult to keep an oil under their tongue, chewable pastilles may be suitable alternative.

To take a sublingual medication, place it under the tongue and allow it to dissolve. You must always follow the specific instructions given by your healthcare provider to ensure the medication is absorbed properly.

Swallowing a medication that is meant to be taken under the tongue will not cause any harm, however you may not get the full intended effect of the medicine. If you find it hard to take a medication by holding it under your tongue you should discuss this with your healthcare provider, to see if there is a more appropriate preparation for you.