PharmacologyQuestion 70 of 100
A patient with chest pain is instructed to place a nitroglycerin tablet under the tongue. What is the main advantage of this route?
a.Rapid absorption directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes, bypassing the digestive tract
b.Slower, more even absorption over 12 hours
c.It allows the tablet to be chewed and swallowed for better taste
d.It prevents the medication from entering the bloodstream at all
Explanation
Sublingual administration lets the drug pass through the rich capillary bed under the tongue directly into the circulation, giving fast relief and avoiding first-pass metabolism in the liver. Extended, even absorption describes transdermal patches or extended-release tablets. Chewing or swallowing a sublingual tablet defeats the route, and the whole purpose is systemic absorption.
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