In which method is medication placed under the tongue until it dissolves?

The method in which medication is placed under the tongue until it dissolves is known as sublingual administration. This route allows for fast absorption of the medication into the bloodstream through the tissues located under the tongue, bypassing the digestive system and leading to quicker onset of action.

Sublingual administration is particularly beneficial for medications that need to work rapidly, such as certain pain relievers or those used in cardiac emergencies. The thin mucous membrane under the tongue is highly vascularized, which facilitates the medication's absorption directly into the circulation.

In contrast, the other routes mentioned have different applications. The transdermal route involves delivering medication across the skin via patches, while the intradermal route involves injecting medication into the dermis layer of the skin, often used for allergy tests or vaccinations. Buccal administration entails placing medication between the gums and the inner lining of the cheek, which is a different site of absorption compared to sublingual administration. This distinction is important in understanding the appropriate route for medication delivery based on the desired effects.