Jun 14, 2023 · In this article, we explain where and how to administer an intramuscular injection. Intramuscular injections offer some benefits over other types of delivery methods, such as oral, intravenous...

Feb 12, 2025 · Knowing how to give an intramuscular injection correctly is key for delivering the medication safely and avoiding complications such as pain, infection, or tissue damage. Choosing the right site is crucial for safety and effectiveness. …

Your health care provider has prescribed a medicine that must be given by intramuscular (IM) injection. This means you use a needle and syringe to send medicine into large muscles in your body. They are usually given in the thigh, hip, or upper arm.

What is an intramuscular injection? An intramuscular (IM) injection, (illustration on right) delivers medication deep into the muscle tissue. This allows the medication to be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Intramuscular shots are given at a 90-degree angle.

Apr 6, 2025 · An intramuscular (IM) injection is a shot of medicine given into a muscle. Certain medicines need to be given into the muscle for them to work correctly. What should I know about the syringe? There are 3 parts to a syringe: the needle, the barrel, and the plunger. The needle goes into your muscle.

Intramuscular (IM) injections have been associated with adverse effects and pain, and this route of medication injection should be used as a last resort. Consider contacting the practitioner for an alternative, preferred route of medication administration.

To give yourself an injection you will use your thigh. Use the middle outer part of the thigh to inject. The best area is one hand length below the hip and one hand length above the knee. Use a 20–22-gauge, 1-1½ needle. See the shaded area on the figure.

To give an IM injection: Make sure you have the right amount of the right medicine in the syringe. Wash your hands well with soap and water. Dry them. Carefully find the spot where you will give the injection. Clean the skin at that spot with an alcohol wipe. Let it …

You can use the buttock, hip, upper leg or upper arm for an IM shot. The arm site can only be used for a very small amount of medicine. Carefully select the site for injection to miss blood vessels and nerves. Your nurse can help you choose the site that is best for you. Use a different spot for each shot.