What is the typical duration of action for sublingual nitroglycerin?

Sublingual nitroglycerin is designed for rapid onset and relatively short duration of action, making it particularly useful for the acute relief of angina pectoris. Its typical duration of action is around 0.5 to 1 hour. This window allows for quick relief of symptoms due to its fast absorption through the oral mucosa, which bypasses the gastrointestinal system and liver metabolism.

Given this pharmacokinetic profile, the choice indicating a duration of 0.5 to 1 hour accurately reflects the expected therapeutic effect of sublingual nitroglycerin, allowing healthcare providers to manage episodes of angina effectively within this timeframe.