How to Give an Intramuscular
Injection
Medically reviewed by [Link]. Last updated on Feb 1, 2022.
What is an intramuscular injection?
An intramuscular (IM) injection is a shot of medicine given into a muscle.
Certain medicines need to be given into the muscle for them to work correctly.
What should I know about the syringe?
There are 3 parts to a syringe: the needle, the barrel, and the plunger. The
needle goes into your muscle. The barrel holds the medicine and has markings
on it like a ruler. The markings are in milliliters (mL). The plunger is used to get
medicine into and out of the syringe.
Where can I give an intramuscular
injection?
Thigh: Look at your thigh and divide it into 3 equal parts. The middle
third is where the injection will go. The thigh is a good place to give
yourself an injection because it is easy to see. It is also a good spot for
children younger than 3 years old.
Hip: Have the person getting the injection lie on his or her side. To find
the correct location, place the heel of your hand on the upper, outer
part of the thigh where it meets the buttocks. Point your thumb at the
groin and your fingers toward the person's head. Form a V with your
fingers by separating your first finger from the other 3 fingers. You will
feel the edge of a bone along the tips of your little and ring fingers. The
place to give the injection is in the middle of the V. The hip is a good
place for an injection for adults and children older than 7 months.
Upper arm muscle: Completely expose the upper arm. You will give the
injection in the center of an upside down triangle. Feel for the bone that
goes across the top of the upper arm. This bone is called the acromion
process. The bottom of it will form the base of the triangle. The point of
the triangle is directly below the middle of the base at about the level of
the armpit. The correct area to give an injection is in the center of the
triangle, 1 to 2 inches below the acromion process. This site should not
be used if the person is very thin or the muscle is very small.
Buttocks: Expose one side of the buttocks. With an alcohol wipe draw a
line from the top of the crack between the buttocks to the side of the
body. Find the middle of that line and go up 3 inches. From that point,
draw another line down and across the first line, ending about halfway
down the buttock. You should have drawn a cross. In the upper outer
square you will feel a curved bone. The injection will go in the upper
outer square below the curved bone. Do not use this site for infants or
children younger than 3 years old. Their muscles are not developed
enough.
How do I choose the best place for an
intramuscular injection?
Keep track of where the injections are given: Make a list of the sites
you use. Write down the date, time, and the site each time you give an
injection.
Change sites for the injections: It is important to use a different site
each time you give an injection. This helps prevent scars and skin
changes. The sites where injections are given should be at least 1 inch
away from each other. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to inject
the medicine in a certain site.
What items do I need to give an injection?
One alcohol wipe
One sterile 2 x 2 gauze pad
A new needle and syringe that are the correct size
Disposable gloves, if you have them
How do I give an intramuscular injection?
Wash your hands with soap and dry them completely. Put on gloves if
necessary.
Open the alcohol wipe: Wipe the area where you plan to give the
injection. Let the area dry. Do not touch this area until you give the
injection.
Prepare the needle: Hold the syringe with your writing hand and pull
the cover off with your other hand. Place the syringe between your
thumb and first finger. Let the barrel of the syringe rest on your second
finger.
Hold the skin around where you will give the injection: With your
free hand, gently press on and pull the skin so that it is slightly tight.
Insert the needle into the muscle: Hold the syringe barrel tightly and
use your wrist to inject the needle through the skin and into the muscle
at a 90 degree angle.
Check the needle: Let go of the skin with your other hand. Hold the
syringe so it stays pointed straight in. Pull back on the plunger a little to
make sure you did not hit a blood vessel. If blood comes back, remove
the needle immediately. Do not inject the medicine. Dispose of both the
syringe and the medicine. Get more medicine in a new syringe. When
you give the second injection, give it on the other side.
Inject the medicine: Push down on the plunger to inject the medicine.
Do not force the medicine by pushing hard. Some medicines hurt. You
can inject the medicine slowly to reduce the pain.
Remove the needle: Once the medicine is injected, remove the needle
at the same angle as it went in. Place gauze over the area where you
gave the injection.
How do I get rid of used syringes and
needles?
It is important to dispose of your needles and syringes correctly. Do not throw
needles into the trash. You may receive a hard plastic container made
especially for used syringes and needles. You can also use a soda bottle or
other plastic bottle with a screw lid. Make sure that both the syringe and
needle fit into the container easily and cannot break through the sides. Ask
your healthcare provider or a pharmacist what your state or local requirements
are for getting rid of used syringes and needles.
What are the risks of an intramuscular
injection?
An intramuscular injection could cause an infection, bleeding, numbness, or
pain.
When should I contact my healthcare
provider?
A fever, sneezing, or coughing develops after the injection.
There is a lump, swelling, or bruising where the injection was given that
does not go away.
You have questions about how to give an injection.
When should I seek immediate care or call
911?
A rash or itching develops after the injection is given.
Shortness of breath develops after the injection is given.
The mouth, lips, or face swells after the injection is given.
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intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to
your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see
if it is safe and effective for you.
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