An intramuscular (IM) injection is a shot. The needle goes into the muscle to deliver medicine. This is usually done by a doctor or nurse. Sometimes, your doctor may teach you to inject yourself. IM injections are deeper than subcutaneous injections (given under the skin).
A needle passes through skin and fat layers into the muscle fibers to deliver medicine.
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Some medicines are better absorbed when given in the muscle; if taken by mouth, they may not work. Other medicines may be given in the muscle if you are unable to take them by mouth.
Some examples of medicines given using an IM injection:
Complications associated with IM injections are:
Depending on the medicine, there is usually some discomfort at the injection site. Soreness in the muscle is also common.
Tips for minimizing pain include:
for general care.
Contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseaseshttp://www.niaid.nih.gov/
Canadian Diabetes Associationhttp://www.diabetes.ca/
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