Why Is Nitroglycerin Given Sublingually Instead of Orally?

Glyceryl trinitrate (or nitroglycerin) undergoes extensive hepatic presystemic metabolism when given orally. Therefore, it is usually given by the sublingual route, by which it is well absorbed and rapidly taken up into the circulation.

Why is nitroglycerin given sublingually?

Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets are used to treat episodes of angina (chest pain) in people who have coronary artery disease (narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart). It is also used just before activities that may cause episodes of angina in order to prevent the angina from occurring.

Why is sublingual more effective?

1) Sublingual medications

Administration through direct absorption into the mouth provides an advantage to medications you swallow. Sublingual drugs go into effect more quickly because they don't have to go through your stomach and digestive system before being absorbed into the bloodstream.