Why is nitroglycerin administered orally to treat angina pectoris?

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Multiple Choice

Why is nitroglycerin administered orally to treat angina pectoris?

Explanation:
The key idea is rapid, systemic absorption that bypasses the liver. Nitroglycerin works best when it reaches the bloodstream quickly to dilate veins and reduce myocardial oxygen demand during an angina attack. If swallowed, it would undergo extensive hepatic first-pass metabolism and lose much of its effect before it acts. The mucosa under the tongue is thin and highly vascular, allowing nitroglycerin to pass directly into the systemic circulation for a rapid onset. That’s why this sublingual (under the tongue) absorption route is used to treat acute angina.

The key idea is rapid, systemic absorption that bypasses the liver. Nitroglycerin works best when it reaches the bloodstream quickly to dilate veins and reduce myocardial oxygen demand during an angina attack. If swallowed, it would undergo extensive hepatic first-pass metabolism and lose much of its effect before it acts. The mucosa under the tongue is thin and highly vascular, allowing nitroglycerin to pass directly into the systemic circulation for a rapid onset. That’s why this sublingual (under the tongue) absorption route is used to treat acute angina.

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