How Long Does It Typically Take for a Muscle Injection to Take Effect?

Update Date: 2024-06-07 Source: Network

Generally, the duration of action of intramuscular injection of different drugs is determined by the effect of the drug. If it is antipyretic and analgesic drugs, it will take effect quickly, mainly depending on the peak concentration of the drug in the body. Generally, intramuscular injection of drugs is effective within 1 to 3 hours. If it is other drugs, such as antibiotics, the passive immunization time will be slightly longer. It is important to maintain a light diet and drink plenty of water.

Notes for intramuscular injection:

1. If the needle accidentally enters a blood vessel and a small amount of blood is withdrawn, pull the needle out slightly and reinject after confirming no blood is withdrawn. If a large amount of blood is withdrawn, quickly pull out the needle, press the area with a sterile dry cotton ball, and prepare the medication for reinjection.

2. Do not insert the entire needle into the muscle to prevent the needle from breaking at the root joint. In case of needle breakage, keep the local area and limb still, quickly clamp the broken end with a hemostat and pull it out. If the needle is completely embedded in the muscle, surgical removal by a surgeon may be required.

3. For patients receiving long-term intramuscular injections, the injection site should be alternated to reduce the occurrence of induration.

4. When injecting two types of drugs with the same volume, attention should be paid to contraindications and injection should be performed in different locations.

5. Select appropriate syringes and needles based on the volume, viscosity, and degree of irritation of the medication. For example, oily drugs require the use of a thicker needle, and drugs less than 1 milliliter can only be injected using a 1ml, 0.5ml, or special syringe.

6. Infants and toddlers under 2 years of age should not be given intramuscular injections in the gluteus maximus due to the risk of damaging the sciatic nerve. Instead, the gluteus medius or gluteus minimus can be used for injection.

7. Avoid injecting into scars, indurations, inflamed areas, skin lesions, and old injection sites. Injections should also be avoided in areas of bruising and hematoma.