How is an intramuscular injection typically administered?

An intramuscular injection is typically administered at a 90-degree angle into the muscle. This angle ensures that the needle penetrates deep enough to reach the muscle tissue, allowing for the medication to be absorbed effectively into the bloodstream from the muscle. Administering an injection at this angle maximizes the dosage delivered into the muscle and minimizes the risk of accidentally injecting into subcutaneous tissue, which can lead to ineffective absorption of the medication.

The muscle fibers have a rich blood supply, which allows for swift absorption of the injected medication, making intramuscular injections a preferred method for delivering vaccines, hormones, and other medications that require rapid systemic effects. Proper technique, including using the right site and angle, is critical to the safety and efficacy of the injection.