Which angle should intramuscular injections be administered at?

Intramuscular injections are ideally administered at a 90-degree angle to ensure that the medication is delivered deep into the muscle tissue. This angle allows for effective administration by providing the right orientation for the needle. When the needle is inserted straight into the muscle, it minimizes the risk of injecting into subcutaneous tissue or damaging blood vessels or nerves that could be encountered at shallower angles.

This technique ensures proper absorption of the medication and maximizes its therapeutic effect, as the muscle has a rich blood supply that allows for quicker distribution into the bloodstream. Proper technique is vital for both the efficacy of the medication and the safety of the patient, emphasizing why the 90-degree angle is the recommended approach for intramuscular injections.