What is the best route for a patient who has a prescription for nitroglycerin to treat angina?

The sublingual route is the most effective for administering nitroglycerin in the treatment of angina because it allows for rapid absorption directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membrane under the tongue. This method bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and avoids first-pass metabolism in the liver, leading to quicker onset of action. When a patient experiences angina, the immediate relief provided by sublingual nitroglycerin is crucial, as it rapidly dilates blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart.

Other methods of administration, such as oral or topical, are typically utilized for longer-term management rather than for acute episodes of angina. Oral preparations may take longer to be absorbed and reach peak effectiveness, while topical applications can be less predictable in their absorption rate and therapeutic effect. Intramuscular injections are not used for nitroglycerin, as the medication is formulated to act quickly through sublingual or other more immediate routes.