Intramuscular

Larger volume, than sc, can be given by IM

A depot or sustained release effect is possible with IM injections, e.g. procaine penicillin

Disadvantages:

Trained personnel required for injections. The site of injection will influence the absorption, generally the deltoid muscle is the best site

Absorption is sometimes erratic, especially for poorly soluble drugs, e.g. diazepam, phenytoin. The solvent maybe absorbed faster than the drug causing precipitation of the drug at the site of injection.

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Copyright 2001-3 David W. A. Bourne (david@boomer.org)