intramuscular
Meaning of intramuscular: Intramuscular describes an injection given directly into muscle tissue, allowing medication to be absorbed into the bloodstream over a moderate period.
Definition of intramuscular
Intramuscular means located within, or administered into, muscle tissue. The term most often describes a route of injection in which a needle delivers medication directly into a muscle, such as the upper arm, thigh, or buttock, rather than into a vein, under the skin, or by mouth.
Because muscle tissue has a good blood supply, medication given intramuscularly is generally absorbed into the bloodstream more quickly than a subcutaneous injection given just under the skin, though more slowly than a medication given directly into a vein. Intramuscular injections are commonly used for certain vaccines and medications that are not well absorbed when taken by mouth.
The specific muscle and technique used for an intramuscular injection can vary depending on the medication, the volume being given, and the age and size of the person receiving it.
Also known as
Used in a sentence
The vaccine was given as an intramuscular injection in the upper arm.
Good to know
Intramuscular injections are generally absorbed faster than subcutaneous injections but slower than intravenous administration, a distinction that affects how quickly a medication takes effect.
Word origin
Where “intramuscular” comes from
Formed from intra- (Latin, meaning "within") and muscular, from Latin musculus, meaning "muscle."