What route of administration is injected into the muscle?

The route of administration that involves injecting medication directly into the muscle is known as intramuscular (IM) injection. This method allows for a quicker absorption of the medication into the bloodstream compared to some other routes, making it suitable for administering vaccines and certain medications that require rapid effect or larger volumes than can be given subcutaneously.

Intramuscular injections are typically administered in larger muscle groups, such as the deltoid, gluteus maximus, or vastus lateralis, and can accommodate a greater volume of liquid compared to subcutaneous injections. This route is particularly beneficial in situations where a fast therapeutic response is needed or when a medication might irritate subcutaneous tissue.

In contrast, intravenous administration involves direct delivery of medication into the bloodstream via a vein, while intranasal administration delivers drugs through the nasal mucosa. Subcutaneous injections are applied into the tissue layer between the skin and the muscle, which limits the volume of medication that can be administered and the speed of absorption compared to intramuscular injections.