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Are you dealing with erectile dysfunction and unsure which medication to take? Perhaps you’ve heard of orally disintegrating tablets and sublingual medications, but you’re not sure what the difference is. Look no further! In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two types of medication so you can make an informed decision and find the best treatment for your impotence.
Orally disintegrating tablets and sublingual medications are two common options for treating erectile dysfunction. Orally disintegrating tablets dissolve quickly in the mouth, while sublingual medications are placed under the tongue. Understanding the differences between these two types of medication can help you make an informed choice about which one is right for you.
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Defining Orally Disintegrating Tablets
An orally disintegrating tablet is typically a fast-acting dosage form that dissolves in the mouth within a minute or less. Such tablets are often placed:
- On the tongue
- Beneath the tongue
- On the cheeks, just beside the tongue
Orally disintegrating tablets are also known by the following names:
- Oro-disperse
- Quick-dissolve
- Rapid disintegrating
- Fast-melt
- Wafers
These tablets were primarily produced to help alleviate problems in medication administration, especially in the younger and older populations. Most modern orally disintegrating tablets are manufactured with a multi-channel structure to help improve their rapid absorption into the body (1).
Defining Sublingual Medications
Now, let’s explain what a sublingual medication is to better differentiate oro-disperse tablets vs. sublingual tablets.
A sublingual tablet is one that is placed directly underneath the tongue. It then dissolves over some time (usually under an hour). Active ingredients in sublingual tablets are then absorbed rapidly by the oral mucosa.
Prominent examples of sublingual tablets include:
- Nitroglycerine – chest pain medication for those with heart ailments
- Clonidine – an antihypertensive medication
- Loratadine – used to treat allergies
Comparing Orally Disintegrating Tablets vs. Sublingual Sublingual Medications For ED
Nowadays, several pharmaceuticals have released oro-disperse tablets specifically for erectile dysfunction. PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil and vardenafil now have quick-dissolve tablet versions that promise faster results and better absorption (2, 3).
So, is an orally disintegrating tablet better than a sublingual tablet? We’ll compare the two to find out:
Ease of Use
Orally disintegrating tablets and sublingual tablets both do not need to be swallowed, making them great for those with throat and swallowing problems. They’re simply placed inside the mouth or underneath the tongue and left there to dissolve, which is quite an easy way to administer medication. Both do not require water to be taken as well.
Absorption
Oro-disperse tablets are absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. The tablets dissolve into tiny fragments, which can then be swallowed unconsciously, taking them to the stomach and the intestines for absorption.
Sublingual tablets, on the other hand, are directly absorbed through the oral mucosa. The space underneath the tongue is laden with tiny blood vessels that directly absorb the sublingual medication and carry them to the bloodstream.
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Quick-dissolve tablets vs. sublingual tablets are also compared in terms of time to dissolve and the onset of action. Quick dissolve tablets disintegrate and get absorbed in 60 seconds or even less. Sublingual tablets can get absorbed in a wide range of time, from 15 minutes to under an hour.
Safety
Both kinds of tablets are generally safe to use. They don’t induce choking or oral suffocation once administered into the mouth.
Erectile dysfunction medications in both forms have been proven safe and effective as well.
Alternative
While orally disintegrating tablets and sublingual medications are both effective options for treating ED, there is another alternative that is becoming increasingly popular: chewable tablets.
Chewable tablets, such as the ones from BlueChew, contain sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil and are designed to be chewed before swallowing. This delivery method allows the medication to take effect more quickly compared to traditional ED medications, which must be swallowed whole. Chewable tablets are also more convenient for men who have difficulty swallowing pills, and they may have a more pleasant taste compared to traditional medications.
Bottom Line
Choosing between orodisperse tablets vs. sublingual medications generally depends on how quickly you need results from the drug itself. You can select an orally-disintegrating tablet for faster relief from impotence.
Nevertheless, whichever you choose, both medication forms are safe, effective, and easy to use.
To conclude, your needs will dictate whether orally disintegrating tablets vs. sublingual medications will be best for your ED.
