Which route of administration is commonly recommended for nitroglycerin to quickly relieve chest pain?

The sublingual route of administration is commonly recommended for nitroglycerin to quickly relieve chest pain because this method allows for rapid absorption into the bloodstream. When a sublingual tablet is placed under the tongue, it dissolves and is absorbed through the mucous membranes directly into the circulation. This bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and liver, leading to a prompt therapeutic effect, which is crucial in treating acute angina episodes.

The quick onset of action is essential for managing chest pain effectively, as patients often need immediate relief. Conversely, while the intravenous route can provide rapid effects as well, it is typically reserved for more severe cases or when immediate and controlled dosing is necessary in a hospital setting. Oral tablets and transdermal patches have slower onset times, making them less suitable for rapid relief of acute pain. Oral tablets must go through digestion, significantly delaying the effect, and transdermal patches are designed for maintenance doses rather than immediate relief. Thus, sublingual administration is the most effective and commonly recommended method for quick relief of chest pain with nitroglycerin.