Nitroglycerin Administration for Angina Management

Nitroglycerin is a medication principally used to manage and prevent chest pain, a symptom often associated with a cardiac condition called angina. Angina occurs when the heart fails to receive an adequate supply of blood, causing symptoms such as a squeezing or pressing sensation in the chest, shortness of breath, and sometimes pain radiating to the arms, neck, stomach, jaws, and back.

Nitroglycerin can be administered using different methods. One method is through buccal tablets, which are placed between the upper cheek or upper lip and the gum. Such tablets are effective since the blood vessels in these areas allow direct absorption of the drug.

Another method is by utilizing an oral spray, an alternate to the tablets. The oral spray version of nitroglycerin is typically sprayed under the tongue, or onto the tongue, with the mouth kept closed post-spray to facilitate absorption. This method is seen as effective and convenient, operating swiftly to alleviate chest pain caused by angina.

Therefore, patients with angina have the option of administering nitroglycerin through buccal tablets or an oral spray, both of which allow for quick absorption and relief from chest pain.