Which form of medication is typically administered under the tongue for rapid absorption?

Sublingual medications are specifically designed to be administered under the tongue, where they dissolve rapidly and are absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the tissues in that area. This method allows for faster onset of action compared to oral medications that must pass through the digestive system before they enter the bloodstream, making sublingual administration particularly effective for delivering medication quickly, such as in cases of acute angina or certain types of pain relief.

In contrast, tablets and pills are typically swallowed and must go through the gastrointestinal tract, where they may take longer to be absorbed. Suppositories are designed to be inserted into body cavities, where they dissolve and are absorbed, but they serve different purposes and do not provide the same rapid absorption as sublingual medications. Thus, sublingual medications stand out as the method for achieving quick action through administration under the tongue.