Which medication is commonly used to alleviate an attack of angina pectoris?

Nitroglycerin is commonly used to alleviate an attack of angina pectoris because it acts as a vasodilator, helping to relax and widen blood vessels. This action leads to improved blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart muscle, which is crucial during an angina attack. Angina pectoris is characterized by chest pain resulting from reduced blood flow to the heart, often due to coronary artery disease. By using nitroglycerin, patients can experience rapid relief from the pain associated with angina.

Other medications listed, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen, serve different purposes. Aspirin can help reduce the risk of blood clots and is often used in the management of coronary artery disease, but it does not provide immediate relief during an angina attack. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that may relieve pain and inflammation but does not address the underlying vascular issues of angina. Acetaminophen is primarily a pain reliever and does not have the same vasodilatory effects as nitroglycerin. Thus, for immediate relief of angina pectoris, nitroglycerin is the appropriate and effective choice.