What are some routes of administration for nitroglycerin?

Nitroglycerin is a medication commonly used to treat angina and is notable for its various routes of administration, which allow for flexibility depending on the clinical situation and patient needs. The correct answer highlights two routes: sublingual tablets and oral tablets.

Sublingual administration is particularly effective for nitroglycerin because it allows the drug to enter the bloodstream quickly through the mucous membranes under the tongue, leading to rapid relief of anginal symptoms. This is essential in acute situations where patient stability is critical.

Oral tablets also represent a viable route, though they are typically used for long-term management rather than immediate relief. These formulations can offer a controlled dose and are designed for sustained action, reflecting the distinct therapeutic goals in managing chronic conditions.

The other options focus on narrower administration routes. Intravenous administration is indeed a method for delivering nitroglycerin, generally used in more controlled environments like hospitals for acute or severe cases. Inhalation is not a standard route for nitroglycerin, as the medication is not formulated for this method, and transdermal patches provide another approach for sustained release, but again do not represent the full spectrum of nitroglycerin administration options.

By recognizing sublingual and oral tablets as