What angle is typically used for intramuscular injections?

Intramuscular injections are typically administered at a 90-degree angle. This angle allows for the injectate to be delivered directly into the muscle tissue, which is essential for effective absorption of the medication. Injecting at a 90-degree angle ensures that the needle penetrates deep enough to reach the muscle, maximizing the therapeutic effects of the medication and minimizing irritation to the subcutaneous tissue.

In contrast, other angles such as 25 degrees, 45 degrees, or 75 degrees are generally used for other types of injections, such as subcutaneous or intravenous ones, where the aim may be to inject the medication into different layers of tissue rather than directly into the muscle. For example, subcutaneous injections are often given at a 45-degree angle to deposit medication into the subcutaneous layer above the muscle, where absorption is slower compared to intramuscular administration. Thus, understanding the specific angle for intramuscular injections is crucial for proper administration and ensuring patient safety and medication efficacy.