Which method allows a drug to be placed under the tongue, thereby speeding up absorption and avoiding the first pass effect?

The sublingual method involves placing a drug under the tongue, where it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes. This route is particularly beneficial because it allows for rapid absorption and onset of action, as the drug bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and avoids the first-pass metabolism that occurs when a drug is taken orally. When medications are swallowed, they are processed by the liver before reaching systemic circulation, which can significantly reduce their efficacy. In contrast, sublingual administration delivers the drug directly into circulation, enhancing bioavailability and achieving quicker therapeutic effects.

Other routes such as rectal, oral, and inhalation have their own specific absorption characteristics but do not offer the same advantages as the sublingual route in terms of avoiding first-pass metabolism. For instance, oral administration often leads to significant first-pass metabolism, while inhalation is primarily used for respiratory conditions and may not be suitable for all drug types.