What does "sl" refer to in medication administration?

The term "sl" in medication administration stands for sublingual. This method involves placing a medication under the tongue, where it dissolves and is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes. This route can provide rapid onset of action, allowing medications to bypass the digestive system and liver metabolism, which can diminish their effectiveness.

Sublingual administration is particularly useful for medications that require quick absorption, such as pain relievers or certain heart medications. It is important for healthcare professionals and pharmacy technicians to understand this terminology, as it directs how patients should take their medications for optimal effects.

Other options like "solution," "subcutaneous," and "slow release" refer to different concepts in medication. Solution refers to a form of medication mixed in a liquid, subcutaneous pertains to an injection given under the skin, and slow release indicates a formulation that releases medication over an extended time. These options do not accurately represent the abbreviation "sl" and thus are not correct in this context.