What term is used to describe the method of administering medication under the tongue?

The method of administering medication under the tongue is referred to as sublingual administration. This route allows for rapid absorption into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes in the mouth. Sublingual medications bypass the digestive system and liver, often leading to quicker onset of action compared to other routes such as oral, where the medication must first be digested and metabolized.

This method is particularly useful for medications that need to act quickly, as well as for those that can be degraded by stomach acids or first-pass metabolism in the liver. Common examples of sublingual medications include certain cardiovascular drugs and particular formulations of pain relief.

The other terms listed refer to different methods of administration: enteral typically refers to all forms of medication administration involving the gastrointestinal tract, rectal refers to the administration of medication via the rectum, and otic pertains to the administration of medication into the ear. Each of these methods has specific applications and routes, but they do not involve placing medication under the tongue.