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Avoiding the first-pass effect: How can intramuscular injection help you absorb drugs better?
An intramuscular injection, also called an IM injection, is an injection of medication directly into a muscle. This approach is widely used in medicine because it avoids the first-pass effect that is commonly experienced with oral medications. This effect refers to the fact that after a drug is metabolized by the liver, its bioavailability may be significantly reduced. However, intramuscular injection can provide faster drug absorption because muscles have a rich vascular network.
Drugs injected intramuscularly enter the bloodstream rapidly and are usually not subject to first-pass effects.
Common sites for injection include the deltoid muscle in the upper arm and the gluteus maximus muscle in the buttocks. In infants, the injection is usually given using the vastus lateralis muscle on the outside of the thigh. To ensure the safety of the injection, the injection site must be thoroughly cleaned before the operation, and then the injection should be performed with quick and vigorous movements to reduce pain.
Although intramuscular injections are generally effective and rarely cause serious adverse reactions, some precautions should still be taken when administering them. The volume injected is usually between 2 and 5 ml, depending on the injection site. If the chosen site shows signs of infection or muscle wasting, the injection should not be given. Also, people with muscle disorders or bleeding problems should avoid intramuscular injections.
When done incorrectly, intramuscular injections may cause local infection or other complications such as bruising, swelling, and minor pain.
Differences and uses of intramuscular injections
The advantage of intramuscular injection is not only faster absorption, but also it can be used as a drug stock injection, which is suitable for continuous release of drugs over a long period of time. Although the benefits of intramuscular injections are clear, they also have disadvantages, such as the skill and technique required, and the possibility of pain and discomfort, especially for children. Furthermore, intramuscular injections are relatively difficult to self-administer, limiting their use to outpatient settings.
Intramuscular injections are commonly used for vaccinations, administration of medications such as antibiotics, hormones, and even in critical situations, to quickly administer adrenaline using an auto-injector.
Taboo and implementation risks
Because intramuscular injections involve puncturing the skin, there is a risk of infection. If not performed properly, it may cause nerve or blood vessel damage, resulting in severe pain or nerve paralysis. To this end, medical personnel must receive appropriate training and be aware of the contraindications of different drugs.
For example, doctors may recommend avoiding intramuscular injections for patients with low platelet counts or clotting problems because of potential damage to blood vessels. In addition, this method should be avoided when the patient is dehydrated or has muscle atrophy, as this will affect the speed and effect of drug absorption.
Technical essentials and selection of injection site
When administering an intramuscular injection, proper site selection is critical. Common injection sites include the deltoid, buttocks, and thigh muscles. When choosing a site, avoid areas with bruises, swelling, or scars. In addition, different drug doses and properties will affect the specific muscle site and injection technique chosen.
Common techniques for intramuscular injections include rapid insertion of the needle, steadying the needle, administering the medication slowly to minimize pain, and applying gentle pressure to the injection site after the injection.
Latest Technologies and Trends
With the progress of medical research, many advanced technologies are constantly being introduced, such as Z-Track technology, which prevents drugs from penetrating into the subcutaneous tissue and reduces irritation. Relevant organizations in many countries no longer recommend suction surgery in most areas because of the discomfort it causes and the lack of obvious safety benefits.
Injections are also widely used in pet medicine. Common animal injection sites include the quadriceps, lumbar and back muscles, and triceps. Different animal species and their physical conditions may require different injection techniques and dosages.
The history of intramuscular injection can be traced back to 500 AD. With the development of medical technology, the importance of risk control and reducing side effects during injection has also been paid attention to. To date, this technology has become an indispensable part of clinical medicine, helping us receive treatment faster and better, and further improving our health. Do you understand the evolution and future development trends of this technology?
