Advantage And Disadvantage Of Intramuscular (IM) Injection

The intramuscular (IM) route of drug administration is one of the commonly used routes for parenteral injection. Drugs are injected into large muscles such as deltoid, gluteus maximus and vastus lateralis, e.g. paracetamol, diclofenac, etc. A volume of 5–10 mL can be given at a time.

Intramuscular (IM) injection

The drug administered in the muscle is usually quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and avoids the first-pass metabolism that occurs with the oral route of administration. It can also be administered as depot injections, providing a slow, sustained release of the drug over a long period of time.

Read Also: Overview Of Intravenous (IV) Administration

Advantages Of Intramuscular (IM) Injection

1. Absorption is more rapid as compared to oral route

2. Mild irritants, depot injections, soluble substances and suspensions can be given by this route

3. Rapid and uniform absorption of the drug, especially those of the aqueous solutions

4.

Rapid onset of the action compared to that of the oral and the subcutaneous routes

5. IM injection bypasses the first-pass metabolism 

6. It also avoids the gastric factors governing the drug absorption

7. Has efficacy and potency comparable to that of the intravenous drug delivery system.

8. Highly efficacious in emergency scenarios such as acute psychosis and status epilepticus

9. Depot injections allow slow, sustained, and prolonged action

10. A large volume of the drug can be administered compared to that of the subcutaneous route

11. No issue with taste or odour

Disadvantages Of Intramuscular (IM) Injection

1. Aseptic conditions are needed

2. Intramuscular injections are painful and may cause abscess

3. Self-administration is not possible as expert and a trained person is required for administering the drug by IM route

4. There may be injury to the nerve

5. The absorption of the drug is determined by the bulk of the muscle and its vascularity

6. The onset and duration of the action of the drug is not adjustable

Read Also: Overview Of Intramuscular (IM) Injection

7. In case of inadvertent scenarios such as anaphylaxis or neurovascular injuries, intravenous (IV) assess needs to be secured

8. IM injection at the appropriate landmarks may be difficult in a child as well as in patients requiring physical restrain

9. Inadvertent injection in the subcutaneous plane of the fascia can lead to delayed action of the drug

10. Suspensions, as well as oily drugs, cannot be administered

11. Can lead to anxiety in the patient, especially in children

12. The precipitation of the drug following faster absorption of the solvent may lead to delayed and prolonged action of the drug

13. Unintended prolonged sequelae following delayed drug release from the muscular compartment

14. It can cause break the skin barrier

15. Unlike intravenous (IV), large volume cannot be administered