Which statement correctly describes sublingual nitroglycerin administration?

Which statement correctly describes sublingual nitroglycerin administration?

• A. Place under the tongue and swallow immediately
• B. Place under the tongue
• C. Apply to the skin
• D. Insert rectally

Answer: (B)

Sublingual administration delivers nitroglycerin fastest because the tablet is placed under the tongue where the mucous membranes allow rapid absorption directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the liver’s first-pass metabolism. This rapid onset is essential for quick relief of angina. Therefore the correct approach is to place the tablet under the tongue and let it dissolve rather than swallowing it or using another route. Swallowing or using a different route would delay absorption and reduce effectiveness. The other options describe routes (skin, rectal) that are not used for this purpose, or suggest swallowing immediately, which defeats the rapid sublingual absorption. For safe use, let the tablet dissolve without chewing, and follow dosing and emergency guidelines as prescribed.

Sublingual administration delivers nitroglycerin fastest because the tablet is placed under the tongue where the mucous membranes allow rapid absorption directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the liver’s first-pass metabolism. This rapid onset is essential for quick relief of angina. Therefore the correct approach is to place the tablet under the tongue and let it dissolve rather than swallowing it or using another route. Swallowing or using a different route would delay absorption and reduce effectiveness. The other options describe routes (skin, rectal) that are not used for this purpose, or suggest swallowing immediately, which defeats the rapid sublingual absorption. For safe use, let the tablet dissolve without chewing, and follow dosing and emergency guidelines as prescribed.