What should a patient do when using translingual nitroglycerin?

Using translingual nitroglycerin involves administering the medication to ensure it is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream to relieve angina (chest pain). The correct approach is to spray the medication under the tongue, as this allows for rapid absorption through the mucous membranes. This method bypasses the digestive system, ensuring the medication takes effect more quickly.

Translingual formulations are specifically designed for sublingual use because the area under the tongue has a rich blood supply, which facilitates efficient entry into the circulation. This route is preferred during episodes of acute angina or as prescribed for preventative measures.

Other methods of administration, such as inhaling the spray, swallowing it, or applying it to the skin, are not appropriate for translingual nitroglycerin. Inhalation would not provide the intended sublingual absorption, swallowing would significantly delay the medication's effect due to digestive processing, and topical application is suitable for different forms of nitroglycerin and does not apply to the translingual spray formulation.