Intramuscular injections are used to deliver treatment for conditions like infections, pain, and vitamin deficiencies directly into the bloodstream. This helps ensure that no treatment is broken down by the digestive system, allowing for more powerful results.
While that sounds simple enough, you’re probably still wondering about when this treatment is actually used. Keeping reading to learn more about intramuscular injections from your Corpus Christi physicians at Physician’s Injury Clinic (PIC).
What Are Intramuscular Injections Used To Treat?
Rather than serving as a treatment for any one condition, an intramuscular injection is a method for administering a variety of different treatments for a variety of conditions. Specifically, any medication that can be dissolved and won’t cause irritation can be administered via intramuscular injections.
The most common treatments administered using intramuscular injections include antibiotics, vaccines, and hormone medications, though they’re also commonly used to provide pain relief, bring down inflammation, and combat vitamin deficiencies.
What Are the Advantages of Intramuscular Injections?
Intramuscular injections are used because they provide advantages that make them a better option for administering treatment in some situations. Your doctor might recommend intramuscular injection if:
- The medicine would lose potency in the digestive system
- The medicine would cause irritation if administered intravenously
- They’re unable to locate a vein for intravenous injection
- The medication needs to be delivered quickly
- A higher dose of medication needs to be administered
What Can I Expect During My Intramuscular Injection Appointment?
An intramuscular injection is similar to other types of injections but utilizes a long, large gauge syringe to penetrate deep into the muscle. The size of the needle used will depend on your size and age, as well as the medication being provided. You can expect your doctor to sterilize the area where the injection will be administered before inserting the needle. Intramuscular injections are usually given in a few different spots on the body, including:
- The upper arm
- The hip
- The thigh
- The buttocks
You can expect to feel discomfort during and after your intramuscular injection.
Are There Any Intramuscular Injection Side Effects?
First, it’s important to note that the side effects associated with intramuscular injections are much less common in clinical settings like PIC. Still, side effects of the treatment are possible, and it’s important to contact your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Tingling, numbness
- Redness, swelling, or heat at the injection site
- Severe pain at the injection site
- Drainage from the injection site
- Difficulty breathing or other signs of an allergic reaction
- Prolonged bleeding
Complications associated with botched intramuscular injections include muscle fibrosis, gangrene, and nerve injury.
Get Fast-Acting, Convenient Intramuscular Injections at Your Physician’s Injury Clinic
If you’re looking for deep pain relief, an emergency vitamin recharge, or a clinical setting to receive your hormone treatment, you’re at the right place. The team at your Physician’s Injury Clinic in Corpus Christi is capable and ready to help you with the non-emergency health issue you may be facing.
Come visit us at Physician’s Injury Clinic to talk to a doctor about intramuscular injections and whether or not they might be right for you.