8.3: Intramuscular Route
- Page ID
- 87694
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The intramuscular route for injections involves placing drugs into muscle tissue underneath the skin. Muscles are innervated with blood vessels. Therefore, drugs are absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream with this route. Common drugs administered intramuscularly include certain antibiotics and vaccines. It is imperative that the medical assistant identify IM sites correctly and follow guidelines for asepsis. Failure to do so may result in serious injury to the patient. Intramuscular injections are administered at a 90-degree angle deep into the muscle tissue. Intramuscular injections require longer lengths and lower gauge needles than SC or ID injections.