Which abbreviation is used for the sublingual route?

• A. s.c.
• B. s.l.
• C. sig.
• D. s.o.s

Answer: (B)

Sublingual administration means placing the medication under the tongue for absorption through the oral mucosa, giving a rapid effect and avoiding first-pass metabolism. The abbreviation used for this route is s.l. (often written SL). The other abbreviations refer to different concepts: s.c. means subcutaneous injection, sig. indicates the instructions to the patient, and s.o.s. is a directive for emergency or as-needed use, not a route. So s.l. is the correct indicator for the sublingual route.