IM

IM or Intramuscular is a method of drug administration that involves injecting medications into the muscles. This is often used when the medication needs to be absorbed into the bloodstream quickly.

Overview

Intramuscular (IM) injections are a type of drug delivery systems where medication is injected directly into muscle tissue. The medication is then slowly absorbed into the bloodstream and circulated throughout the body. This method is used when a rapid response is required, the drug is too potent to be taken orally, or the drug is not well absorbed from the gut.

Procedure

The procedure for an IM injection typically involves the following steps:

1. The skin over the injection site is cleaned with an antiseptic to prevent infection.
2. A needle is inserted at a 90 degree angle into the muscle. The most common sites for IM injections are the deltoid (upper arm), the vastus lateralis (thigh), and the ventrogluteal (hip).
3. The medication is slowly injected into the muscle and the needle is removed.
4. Pressure is applied to the injection site to minimize bleeding and discomfort.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of IM injections include:

• Rapid absorption of medication
• Ability to administer larger volumes of medication than with subcutaneous injections
• Suitable for both aqueous and oily solutions

Disadvantages of IM injections include:

• Potential for discomfort and pain
• Risk of hitting a nerve or blood vessel
• Not suitable for people with low muscle mass

See Also

• Subcutaneous injection
• Intravenous therapy
• Drug administration

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