What Does SL Mean in Medical Terms?

SL stands for sublingual. Under the tongue, describing a medicine route.

sublingual

Under the tongue, describing a medicine route.

Where you will see SL

You will most often see SL in medication orders and prescriptions.

Example

A medication order might be written with “SL” as shorthand for sublingual.

Related abbreviations

Browse the full Medical Abbreviations guide — 5,715 entries, searchable A–Z and by specialty.

Educational reference only. This guide is for learning and quick reference. Abbreviations vary between hospitals, countries and specialties, and some are discouraged because they can be misread. Always write and interpret orders using your own institution’s approved abbreviation list, and check anything unclear with the prescriber or your local policy.