Injectable Medication Administration - What You Need to Know

Injectable Medication Administration involves the administration of drugs through injections into the body for therapeutic purposes.

Injectable Medication Administration FAQ

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How does a healthcare professional inject medications?

A healthcare professional can inject many medications into many parts of the body. They will decide the most appropriate route of access depending on the situation. Most injections consist of a needle and syringe. A doctor may also use a newer device, such as auto and jet injectors.

What are intramuscular & subcutaneous injections?

Intramuscular (IM) injections. IM injections are given deep into a muscle where the medication is then absorbed quickly by surrounding blood vessels. Subcutaneous (SC) injections. SC injections are injected into the innermost layer of the skin called the subcutis or hypodermis, which is made up of a network of fat and collagen cells.

How is a drug injected?

For the subcutaneous route, a needle is inserted into fatty tissue just beneath the skin. After a drug is injected, it then moves into small blood vessels (capillaries) and is carried away by the bloodstream. Alternatively, a drug reaches the bloodstream through the lymphatic vessels (see figure Lymphatic System: Helping Defend Against Infection ).

How are medicines administered in a health care setting?

The administration of medicines in a health care setting must be done in accordance with a prescription, Patient Specific Direction, Patient Group Direction or other relevant exemption specified in the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (Schedules 17 and 19, as amended).

Where can injectable medicines be administered?

Injectable medicines can be administered to patients in Solent NHS Trust wards and departments or to patients in their own homes attended by Trust community nursing staff. For injectable medicines departments must have a suitable area for preparation which is clean, quiet and uncluttered and with adequate lighting.

What is injectable drugs guide?

Injectable Drugs Guide is a user-friendly, single point of reference for the safe and effective prescribing, administration and monitoring of injectable medicines. With monographs integrating all aspects of clinical use including cross-references with UK and US terms, this product ensures ease of use worldwide.

Why do we need information about injectable medicines in the UK?

This information will assist healthcare professionals in making a risk assessment and subsequent robust prescribing decisions about selection of injectable medicines currently available in the UK, which may be appropriate for intrathecal administration.

How are injectable medicines purchased?

3.10.3 Injectable medicines are purchased by the supplying Pharmacy Service (either in house or subcontracted) to the Trust. This means that where possible, licensed drugs from reputable suppliers are purchased, and that products are ready to use and require no further manipulation prior to administration.