What is one of the benefits of sublingual administration of drugs?

The benefit of sublingual administration of drugs lies in the rapid onset of effect. When a drug is administered sublingually, it is placed under the tongue, where it dissolves and is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucosal membranes. This method bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and the first-pass metabolism in the liver, allowing the active ingredients to reach systemic circulation more quickly. As a result, patients often experience faster relief from symptoms compared to oral administration, where the drug must first pass through the digestive system.

The other choices highlight factors such as a slow absorption rate, the entry into lymphatic circulation, and increased dose requirements, which do not align with the primary advantages of sublingual drug delivery. The focus on rapid action makes sublingual administration an attractive option for medications that require immediate therapeutic effects, such as pain relievers or emergency medications like nitroglycerin for angina.