How To Give An Intramuscular Injection

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

An intramuscular injection is a “shot” of medicine given into a muscle. A syringe (suh-RINJ) with medicine in it is attached to a needle. The needle goes through the skin and into a muscle. The medicine is pushed into the muscle by pressing on the syringe plunger. When the medicine has been pushed into the muscle, the needle is removed.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Follow your caregivers instructions about when and how much medicine to give yourself or someone else.

Ask your caregiver what kind of syringe and size of needle to use when giving yourself or someone else an IM.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• There is a lump, swelling, or bruising at a place where a shot was given that does not go away.
  
  
• You have questions about how to give a shot.
  
  
• You have questions about side effects of the medicine.
  
  
• You have questions about the medicine you are giving.
  
  
• You begin sneezing or coughing after getting the medicine.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have 1 or more of the following signs and symptoms of a severe allergy:
  
  
  • A rash or itching.
    
    
  • Trouble breathing.
    
    
  • Swelling in the mouth, lips, or face.

This is an emergency. Call 911 or 0 (operator) to get to the nearest hospital or clinic. Do not drive yourself!

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.