How quickly does sublingual nitroglycerin typically begin to act?

Sublingual nitroglycerin is designed for rapid absorption and onset of action, making it particularly effective for acute angina attacks. When placed under the tongue, nitroglycerin bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes. This allows for a quick response, with the medication typically beginning to relieve angina symptoms within one to three minutes.

This rapid onset is crucial in emergency situations where immediate relief of chest pain is necessary. Patients are often instructed to use sublingual nitroglycerin at the onset of angina symptoms due to this quick action. Other methods of administration for nitroglycerin, such as oral tablets or patches, take significantly longer to produce effects, illustrating the unique rapid action of the sublingual form.