What is true about the absorption of sublingual drugs?

Sublingual drugs are placed under the tongue, where they dissolve and are absorbed through the mucous membranes directly into the bloodstream. This method of administration allows the medication to bypass the digestive system and the first-pass metabolism in the liver, leading to faster onset of action compared to oral administration. The placement under the tongue facilitates rapid absorption due to the high vascularity of the area, providing a quick route for the medication to enter systemic circulation.

The other options relate to characteristics of sublingual administration but do not accurately describe its unique absorption process. Sublingual drugs are not absorbed slowly; instead, they frequently provide a rapid therapeutic effect. Additionally, sublingual medications do not interact with food in the way oral medications might, as they bypass the gastrointestinal tract. Lastly, the statement regarding metabolism before absorption does not apply to sublingual drugs, as they are designed to avoid first-pass metabolism and enter the bloodstream directly.