How to Give an Intramuscular Injection

1. 1Check + GatherConfirm your name, medication, prescribed dose, INTRAMUSCULAR route, storage directions, and beyond-use date. Gather a new needle and syringe, alcohol pads, gauze, and an approved sharps container.
2. 2Wash + PrepareWash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then dry them. Check the medication exactly as your pharmacy instructed. Wipe the vial stopper with a fresh alcohol pad and let it air-dry.
3. 3Draw the Prescribed DoseUsing a new needle and syringe, draw the exact amount on your prescription label. Keep the needle sterile, tap out air bubbles, and recheck the dose. Follow pharmacy instructions if your medication requires a separate drawing needle.
4. 4Choose + Clean the SiteAdministered by intramuscular injection once weekly, as directed by your provider. Clean the site with an alcohol swab and inject only into the provider-approved deltoid, outer thigh, or gluteal muscle. Rotate sites weekly to reduce soreness and irritation.
5. 5Inject Into the MuscleHold the syringe like a dart and insert the needle straight into the muscle at a 90° angle. Push the plunger steadily until the prescribed dose is given.
6. 6Remove + DisposePull the needle straight out. Apply gentle pressure with gauze; do not rub. Put the needle and syringe directly into an approved sharps container. Never recap, reuse, or share injection supplies.

Educational only; no dosing or needle-size instructions. Sources: MedlinePlus and CDC. Clinical review required before distribution.