Intramuscular injections

Description intramuscular injection

Intramuscular (VM) injection – drug administration into the muscle using a syringe with a needle. The procedure is usually held by a physician or nurse. Sometimes the doctor can teach patient to inject yourself. IM injection performed deeper, than subcutaneous injection (administering medication under the skin).

Reasons for intramuscular injection

Some drugs are better absorbed, When injected into a muscle, as if to take them into, they may not have a therapeutic effect. Other medications may be injected into a muscle, if oral intake is not possible.

Administered by intramuscular injection:

• Some antibiotics;
• Some birth control hormones;
• Most vaccines;
• Injections of epinephrine for severe allergic reactions.

Possible complications during intramuscular injection

Complications, associated with IM injection:

• Bleeding, pain or redness at the injection site;
• An allergic reaction to the medicine. If you plan an allergic reaction to medication, injection is better not to carry out;
• Rarely – infection.

How are intramuscular injections?

Preparation for the procedure

• Make sure you have all the necessary elements (syringes, medicines and cleaning materials);
• Check, that the duration of the drug has not expired;
• Wash your hands warm soapy water, before making injection;
• Choose an injection site. This should be a zone on the body with more muscle (eg, hip);
• Clean the area with alcohol injection.

Procedure intramuscular injection

To make a prick:

• Remove the cap from the needle;
• Stretch the skin;
• Hold the syringe like a pencil, insert the needle at an angle 90 degrees to the skin. (The needle should be completely covered by skin);
• Hold the syringe with one hand. On the other hand, pull the plunger slightly, to check for blood in the syringe;
• If you see blood, do not enter medicine. It is necessary to remove the needle and start again in a new place;
• If you do not see blood, slowly push the plunger all the way;
• Take the needle out of the skin;
• If there is bleeding at the injection site, you need to put a bandage;
• Immediately put the syringe and needle into a waste container.

Intramuscular injection – Will it hurt?

Depending on the administered drug may be some discomfort at the injection site. Soreness in the muscle is also common.

To reduce pain:

• Inject medicine, warmed to room temperature;
• Remove any air bubbles from the syringe before injection;
• Relax your muscles at the injection site;
• Quickly puncture the skin;
• Do not change the direction of the needle;
• Do not reuse disposable syringes.

Care after injection

Follow your doctor's instructions.

Contact your doctor after intramuscular injection

Contact your doctor in the following cases:

• Difficulties with self-injections;
• Ongoing bleeding at the injection site;
• Strong pain;
• The medicine put into the wrong area;
• Rash or swelling at the injection site;
• Develops a fever or an allergic reaction.