intramuskulaarsed

Intramuskulaarsed is the Estonian term for intramuscular, describing anything related to, or administered by, injection into a skeletal muscle. In medical use, intramuscular injections deliver medication into muscle tissue to achieve relatively rapid systemic absorption and to accommodate solutions that may be irritating to subcutaneous tissue or unsuitable for other routes.

Common sites for intramuscular injections in adults include the gluteus medius (upper outer quadrant), the deltoid muscle, and, for certain patients, the ventrogluteal site. In infants and small children, the vastus lateralis is often used. Site selection depends on age, muscle mass, injection volume, and the drug’s properties. Aseptic technique is essential, and injections are typically performed with the needle entering the muscle at a close to 90-degree angle.

Pharmacokinetics and administration: absorption from muscle tissue is faster than subcutaneous tissue due to good blood supply, but slower than intravenous administration. Injection depth, needle length, and injection speed influence onset and peak effect. Dosing and rotation of sites may be needed for repeated injections.

Uses and advantages: intramuscular injections are used for vaccines, antibiotics, analgesics, hormones, vitamins, and certain biologics. They allow administration of solutions that irritate subcutaneous tissue and provide predictable absorption for specific preparations. Limitations include pain, muscle soreness, and potential tissue injury.

Safety and complications: potential adverse effects include local pain, hematoma, infection, nerve or vascular injury, and, rarely, abscess. Proper technique, site selection, and monitoring for reactions are important.

See also: intravenous injection, subcutaneous injection, intradermal injection.