How is a Sublingual Oral Spray Better than Tablets?
In the pharmaceutical world, consumers have many options when it comes to medication delivery methods. While tablets have been the traditional go-to for the longest time, sublingual oral sprays are now becoming a very popular choice. Sublingual oral sprays are administered under the tongue and offer a variety of advantages over traditional tablets and pills.
Why Choose a Sublingual Oral Spray Over a Tablet:
1) Quick Absorption and Onset of Action
One of the main advantages of sublingual oral sprays is their ability to deliver active ingredients directly into the bloodstream without being subjected to the digestive system. When you place a sublingual spray under your tongue, it is absorbed through the thin mucous membranes with numerous blood vessels under the tongue. It allows for a relatively quick absorption and therefore a faster onset of action. Tablets need to be dissolved and then broken down in the stomach and intestines before the medication can then be absorbed into the vascular system. For patients requiring rapid relief; such as those using pain relievers or anti-anxiety medications, a sublingual oral spray can be the best method of administration. Rapid absorption leads to rapid results which may be important, depending on their medical condition.
2. Enhanced Bioavailability
One of the major advantages of sublingual oral sprays over tablets is bioavailability, which is the amount of active ingredient that reaches the bloodstream and is available to provide a therapeutic effect. Tablets deal with issues of first-pass metabolism in which the liver breaks down a significant portion of the active drug before it reaches the bloodstream. Since sublingual sprays are absorbed into bloodstream directly, sublingual sprays bypass liver and gastrointestinal tract. Thus, sublingual sprays have a greater bioavailability so patients can get more of the active ingredient into their system.
3. Easier to Swallow
For patients who have trouble swallowing pills- such as children, elderly patients or patients with certain medical conditions, sublingual oral sprays can be a great alternative form of delivery. Tablets can be large or difficult to swallow and usually require water. Oral sprays can be especially used for patients with swallowing difficulties or for patients who find it hard to take numerous tablets in one single dose.
4. Consistent Dosing
Sublingual oral sprays allow for consistent dosing. With tablets there is a potential of variability in how the drug is absorbed since it depends on the person’s digestive health. Sublingual oral sprays offer a more consistent and reliable delivery of oral medications because the drug goes directly in the bloodstream. In addition, many sublingual oral sprays come with a metered dosing mechanism, which ensures that a consistent dose of the medication is delivered with each spray. This consistent dosing makes it easier for patients to follow their prescribed medication without the risk of under-dose or overdose.
5. Convenience and Portability
Sublingual oral sprays are very convenient and portable, often more compact than bottles of syrups or large bottles of tablets. Patients can carry these oral sprays in their bags or pockets, which makes it easy to take medication anywhere. There is no need for water, just a spray under the tongue is all it takes.
This makes the sublingual spray dosage form a good option for people with hectic lifestyles, or for people who need to take medication multiple times during the day.
6. Reduced Side Effects
7. Ideal for Certain Medications
There are medications that are better suited for sublingual delivery. For drugs that are quickly degraded in the stomach or rapid onset medications, a sublingual spray is preferable. Likewise, it is common for vitamins and hormones to be delivered sublingually, to maximize absorption.
While tablets are likely to remain a significant part of pharmaceutical therapy, sublingual oral sprays offer advantages that make them a better option in certain situations. Whether it faster action, better bioavailability or more convenient use; sublingual oral sprays are a more convenient and meaningful method of administration for many patients.
Maya Biotech recognizes the growing demand for drug delivery systems with improved safety for patients and convenience of use. As a third-party pharmaceutical manufacturer, we employ advanced manufacturing capabilities in the development of sublingual oral sprays. Whether you are building a product line or want to add alternatives to tablets/pills to your portfolio, Maya Biotech is your reliable partner in developing these innovative solutions.
