Intramuscular (IM) Injections - Preventing Complications

Do you want to make an intramuscular (IM) drug injection?

Have you cleaned the skin carefully prior to making the injection?

Are you using a single dose medication?

Are you using a disposable syringe?

Do you avoid making repeat injections into the same site?

Are you using a needle long enough to reach the muscle?

Do you take care not to inject drug as you advance the needle?

Are you familiar with the anatomic landmarks at the site and the location of major vessels and nerves?

Do you aspirate the syringe prior to making the injection?

Are you using a drug formulated for IM injection?

• have a coagulopathy or current anticoagulation therapy?

• morbidly obese?

• malnourished?

• have edema or lymphedema at the injection site?

• immunocompromised?

• have a large scar at the injection site?