Question

What is the recommended route of administration for the drug nitroglycerin?

Answer 1

Nitroglycerin comes in the form of a sublingual tablet , oral spray, and sublingual powder is used to treat episodes of angina(chest pain) in people who have coronary artery disease. It helps in relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not need to work as hard and therefore does not need as much oxygen.

The sublingual tablet is directly taken by mouth by putting this tablet under the tongue or between the cheeks and gum and wait for it to dissolve. Do not chew, crush or swallow it. As the tablet dissolves you may feel tingling or burning in your mouth and this is normal. It lasts in your mouth for about 5 to 10mins only.

If you use oral spray, spray it on or under your tongue. You may become dizzy, lightheaded or faint soon after using it so its better to sit and then take this. If you become faint while sitting then take deep breaths and down your hea under the knee.

Sublingual powder, there is a packet full of powder that you have to empty under your tongue then close your mouth and breathe normally. Now slowly allow powder to dissolve without swallowing and do not rinse or spit for 5mins after taking medicine.