Skip to main content

Subcutaneous and Intramuscular Injection of Drugs

  • Chapter
Concepts in Biochemical Pharmacology
  • 967 Accesses

Abstract

Next to oral ingestion, injection into subcutaneous or muscular tissue is by far the most commonly used route of drug administration. The evident advantages of parenteral injection are the reliability and precision of dosage and the generally rapid onset of action of the drug, while on the negative side must be counted discomforts and hazards such as tissue damage, pain and tenderness of the injected area and the risk of accidental injection of microorganisms.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ballard, B.E.: Biopharmaceutical considerations in subcutaneous and intramuscular drug administration. J. pharm. Sci. 57, 357–378 (1968).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ballard, B.E., Menczel, E.: Subcutaneous absorption kinetics of benzyl alcohol. J. pharm. Sci. 56, 1476–1485 (1967).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ballard, B.E. Nelson, E.: A simple, graphic method for estimating surface areas of subcutaneously implanted, cylindrical drug pellets. Amer. J. vet. Res. 23, 678–680 (1962a).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ballard, B.E.,: Physicochemical properties of drugs that control absorption rate after subcutaneous implantation. J. Pharmacol. 135, 120–127 (1962b).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ballard, B.E.: Prolonged action pharmaceuticals (Parenteral products, p. 627). In: Remington’s Pharmaceutical Sciences, 13. ed., pp. 612–640. Easton, Pa.: Mack Publ. Co. 1965.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bay, E.: Technik und Gefahren der intramuskulären Injektion. Dtsch. med. Wschr. 92, 1950–1952 (1967).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bederka, J.P., Miller, J.W., Takemori, A.E.: Absorption of drugs from skeletal muscle. Personal communication (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  • Benitz, K.-F., Dambach, G.: Morphologic quantification of muscular lesions after injections of aqueous solutions. Arzneimittel.-Forsch. 16, 658–661 (1966).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Binder, CH.: Absorption of injected insulin. A clinical-pharmacological study. Acta Pharma¬col. (Kbh.) 27, Suppl. 2 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  • Braun, H.: Über den Einfluß der Vitalität der Gewebe auf die örtlichen und allgemeinen Giftwirkungen lokalanästhezierende Mittel und über die Bedeutung des Adrenalins für die Lokalanästhesie. Arch. klin. Chir. 69, 541–591 (1903).

    Google Scholar 

  • Braun, H.: Die Lokalanästhesie, ihre wissenschaftlichen Grundlagen und praktische Anwendung. Leipzig: J.A. Barth 1905.

    Google Scholar 

  • Calhoon, T.B., Gadsden, R.H.: Influence of connective tissue on swelling exhibited by musclesin vitro. Amer. J. Physiol. 202, 830–834 (1962).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Coates, F.C.: An insulin injection technique for preventing skin reactions. Amer. J. Nursing 65, 127–128 (1965).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Conley, B.E.: The new parenteral drugs of U.S.P. XVII. Bull. Parenteral Drug Ass. 16, 30 — 35 (1962).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cutts, J.H., Walker, I.G.: The effect of pH upon the antitumor activity and toxicity of nitrogen mustard. Cancer Res. 26, 1386–1389 (1966).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dost, F. H.: Der Blutspiegel. Kinetik der Konzentrationsabläufe in der Kreislaufflüssigkeit, pp. 224–251. Leipzig: Georg Thieme 1953.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Eck, D.J.H.M., Beks, J.W.F.: Lestel van de nervus radialis door intramusculaire injectie. Ned. T. Geneesk.112, 1021–1025 (1968).

    Google Scholar 

  • Editorial: Sites for intramuscular injections. J. Pediat. 70, 158–159 (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  • Foldes, F.F., Brown, I.M., Lunn, J.N.: The influence of solvent on the myoneural effects on intramuscular succinylcholine. Anesthesiology 23, 213–218 (1962).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gangarosa, L.P., Cheong, D.K.: The effects of adrenergic drugs and blockers upon the efficiency of isotope clearance from the subcutaneous tissue of the cat. Arch. int. Pharma- codyn. 179, 425–433 (1969).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Garrod, L.P.: Choice of injection sites. Brit. med. J., 836 only (30 March 1968 ).

    Google Scholar 

  • Griffenhagen, G.B.: The history of parenteral medication. Bull. Parenteral Drug Ass. 16, 12–19 (1962).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Guminska, I., Lisiak, W., Gembicki, W.: Rate of distribution of Na131I and of 131I-labelled albumin injected subcutaneously. Polish Med. J. 5, 303–310 (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  • Harvey, P.W., Purnell, G.V.: Fatal case of gas gangrene associated with intramuscular injections. Brit. med. J. 744–746 (March 1968).

    Google Scholar 

  • Howard-Jones, N.: A critical study of the origin and early development of hypodermic medication. J. Hist. Med. 2, 201–249 (1947).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Von Hochstetter, A.: Über die intraglutäale Injektion, ihre Komplikationen und deren Verhütung. Schweiz, med. Wschr. 84, 1226–1227 (1954).

    Google Scholar 

  • Von Hochstetter, A.: Über Probleme und Technik der intraglutäalen Injektion, der Einfluß des Medikamentes und der Individualität des Patienten auf die Entstehung von Spritzenschäden. Schweiz, med. Wschr. 85, 1138–1144 (1955).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hvidberg, E., Szporny, L., Langgard, H.: The composition of oedema fluid provoked in mice by oestradiol. Acta pharmacol. (Kbh.) 20, 243–252 (1963).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jørgensen, A.E., Schou, J.: The local effect of cholinergic agents and Cholinesterase inhibition on the clearance of sucrose from muscles. Acta pharmacol. (Kbh.) 23, 205–212 (1965).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kety, S.S.: Quantitative measurement of regional circulation by the clearance of radioactive sodium. Amer. J. med. Sci. 215, 352–353(1948).

    Google Scholar 

  • Kety, S.S. Measurement of regional circulation by local clearance of radioactive sodium. Amer. Heart J. 38, 321–328 (1949).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kety, S.S.: The theory and applications of the exchange of inert gas at the lungs and tissues. Pharmacol. Rev. 3, 1–41 (1951).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lassen, N. A., Lindbjerg, J., Munck, 0.: Measurement of blood-flow through skeletal muscle by intramuscular injection of Xenon-133. Lancet I, 686–689 (1964).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Macek, T.J.: Preparation of parenteral dispersions. J. pharm. Sci. 52, 694–699 (1963).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Malek, R.: Rétractions quadricipitales et injections intra-musculaires chez l’enfant. Ann. Chir. infant. (Paris) 7, 85–91 (1966).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mazzia, V.D.B, and seven others: Radial nerve palsy from intramuscular injection. N.Y. State J. Med. 1674–1675 (May 15, 1962 ).

    Google Scholar 

  • McMaster, P.D.: Intermittent take-up of fluid from cutaneous tissue. J. exp. Med. 73, 67–84 (1941a).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McMaster, P.D.: Factors influencing intermittent passage of Locke’s solution into living skin. J. exp. Med. 73, 85–108 (1941b).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McMaster, P. D.: Inquiry into structural conditions affecting fluid transport in interstitial tissue of skin. J. exp. Med. 74, 9–28 (1941c).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Medgyesi, G., Medgyesi, P.: Bemerkungen zur Pharmakokinetik eines intramuskulär verabreichten Medikaments. Pharmazie 22, 253–258 (1967).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Meyer, F., Holland, G.: Die Messung des Druckes in Geweben. Arch. exp. Pathol. Pharmakol. 168, 581–602 (1932).

    Google Scholar 

  • Mogey, G.A.: Cetenary of hypodermic injection. Brit. med. J. 2, 1180–1185 (1953).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mulligan, J.E., Cassee, G.E.: Clearance rate of 131iodine in mechanically injured and normal muscle tissue. Nursing Res. 14, 126–131 (1965).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pappenheimer, J. R.: Passage of molecules through capillary walls. Physiol. Rev. 33, 387 to 423 (1953).

    Google Scholar 

  • Pappenheimer, J. R., Renken, E.M., Borrero, L.M.: Filtration, diffusion and molecular sieving through peripheral capillary membranes; contribution to pore theory of capillary permeability. Amer. J. Physiol.167, 13–46 (1951).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pappenheimer, J. R., Soto-Rivera, A.: Effective osmotic pressure of plasma proteins and other quantities associated with the capillary circulation in the hindlimbs of cats and dogs. Amer. J. Physiol. 152, 471–491 (1948).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Perret, W.: Ist die intramuskuläre Einspritzung von Arzneimitteln am Arm eine gefährliche Behandlungsmethode ? Med. Klin. 1464–1466 (Nr. 34, 1962 ).

    Google Scholar 

  • Pitel, M., Wemett, M.: The intramuscular injection. Amer. J. Nursing 64, 104–109 (April 1964).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ramachandran, B.V., Ágren, G.: The retarding influence of atropine on absorption of radioactive diisopropylphosphofluoridate and radioactive inorganic phosphate in the rat. Acta pharmacol. (Kbh.) 20, 339–350 (1963).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Riggs, D.S.: The mathematical approach to physiological problems, pp. 161–163. Baltimore, Md.: Williams & Wilkins Co. 1963.

    Google Scholar 

  • Roe, F.J.C.: The relevance of preclinical assessment of carcinogenesis. Clin. Pharmacol. Ther. 7, 77–111 (1966).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rubbo, S.D., Gardner, J.F.: Skin preparation and intramuscular injections. Brit. med. J. 121–122 (July 13, 1968 ).

    Google Scholar 

  • Schou, J.: Absorption of drugs from subcutaneous connective tissue. Pharmacol. Rev. 13, 441–464 (1961).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schou, J.: A comparison of the potency of adrenaline and noradrenaline in delaying absorption from muscles. Acta pharmacol. (Kbh.) 26, 253–258 (1968).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schriftman, H., Kondritzer, A.A.: Absorption of atropine from muscles. Amer. J. Physiol. 191, 591–594 (1957).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Secher-Hansen, E.: Studies on subcutaneous absorption in mice V: Absorption of water injected into the skin of normal and oestradiol-treated animals. Acta pharmacol. (Kbh.) 26, 229–239 (1968a).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Secher-Hansen, E.: Studies on the subcutaneous absorption in mice VI: Absorption of mannitol, sucrose, inulin and albumin in normal and oestradiol-treated animals. Acta pharmacol. (Kbh.) 26, 316–324 (1968 b).

    Google Scholar 

  • Secher-Hansen, E.: Studies on the subcutaneous absorption in mice VII: Absorption of 3H20 and 14C-sucrose from non-buffered solutions at different pH values. Acta pharmacol. (Kbh.) 28, 97101 (1970a).

    Google Scholar 

  • Secher-Hansen, E.: Studies on the subcutaneous absorption in mice VIII: Influence of connective tissue ground substance on the absorption of subcutaneously injected depots of sodium and chloride. Acta pharmacol. (Kbh.) 28, 102–107 (1970b).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Secher-Hansen, E.: Langgárd, H., Schou, J.: Studies on the subcutaneous absorption in mice I: A method for studying quantitatively the dynamics of subcutaneous absorption. Acta pharmacol. (Kbh.) 25, 162–168 (1967a).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Secher-Hansen, E.: Studies on the subcutaneous absorption in mice II: Influence of tonicity on the dynamics of subcutaneous absorption. Acta pharmacol. (Kbh.) 25, 290–298 (1967b).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Secher-Hansen, E.: Studies on the subcutaneous absorption in mice III: Aseptic inflammation following subcutaneous injections. Acta pharmacol. (Kbh.) 25, 299–306 (1967c).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Secher-Hansen, E.: Studies on the subcutaneous absorption in mice IV: Absorption of carbohydrates with different molecular weights from connective tissue. Acta pharmacol. (Kbh.) 26, 9–14 (1968).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shintani, S., Yamazaki, M., Nakamura, M., Nakayama, I.: A new method to determine the irritation of drugs after intramuscular injection in rabbits. Toxicol, appl. Pharmacol. 11, 293 — 301 (1967).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Steen-Johnsen, J.: Intramuskulære injeksjoner hos barn. T. norske Laegeforen. 82, 895 to 897 (1962).

    Google Scholar 

  • Sund, R.B., Schotu, J.: The determination of absorption rates from rat muscles: An experimental approach to kinetic descriptions. Acta pharmacol. (Kbh.) 21, 313–325 (1964a).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sund, R.B., Schou, J.: Absorption of atropine: Anticholinergics as inhibitors of absorption from muscles. Acta pharmacol. (Kbh.) 21, 339–346 (1964b).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sund, R.B., Schou, J.: Hyaluronidase as an accelerator of muscular absorption of water and water soluble compounds. Acta pharmacol. (Kbh.) 23, 194–204 (1965).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Teorell, T.: Kinetics of distribution of substances administered to the body. I. Arch. int. Pharmacodyn. 57, 205–225 (1937a).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Teorell, T.: Kinetics of distribution of substances administered to the body. I. Arch. int. Pharmacodyn. 57, 226–240 (1937b).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wagner, J.G.: Biopharmaceutics: absorption aspects. J. pharm. Sci. 50, 359–387 (1961).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wagner, J.G., Nelson, E.: Kinetic analysis of blood levels and urinary excretion in the absorption phase after single doses of drug. J. pharm. Sci. 53, 1392–1403 (1964).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • White, L.P., Claflin, E.F.: The effect of pH upon the antitumor activity and delayed lethal toxicity of nitrogen mustard. J. Pharmacol, exp. Ther. 142, 265–274 (1963).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wolf, I. J.: A two-stage “controlled” intramuscular injection technique. A method preventing troublesome and painful local reactions. Clin. Pediatr. 7, 230–231 (1968).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wolf, I. J. Paterson, N.J.: Risk with intramuscular injections. Clin. Pediatr. 7, 26A–30A (1968).

    Google Scholar 

  • Zelman, S.: Notes on techniques of intramuscular injection. The avoidance of needless pain and morbidity. Amer. J. med. Sci. 563–574 (May 1961).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1971 Springer-Verlag Berlin · Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Schou, J. (1971). Subcutaneous and Intramuscular Injection of Drugs. In: Brodie, B.B., Gillette, J.R., Ackerman, H.S. (eds) Concepts in Biochemical Pharmacology. Handbuch der experimentellen Pharmakologie/Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology, vol 28 / 1. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-65052-9_4

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-65052-9_4

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-65054-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-65052-9

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics