When educating a client about sustained-release nitroglycerin, what is the key instruction?

Sustained-release nitroglycerin is designed to release the medication slowly over a prolonged period. This formulation is crucial for maintaining consistent levels of the drug in the bloodstream, which helps manage conditions such as angina pectoris by preventing sudden spikes in heart workload and ischemic episodes. Swallowing the capsule whole ensures that the medication is delivered in its intended manner without altering its pharmacokinetic properties. Crushing or chewing the capsule could disrupt the sustained-release mechanism, leading to a rapid release of the medication. This could increase the risk of side effects and diminish the medication's effectiveness in providing long-term relief. Therefore, instructing the client to swallow the capsule whole is essential to ensure optimal therapeutic effects while minimizing potential adverse reactions.