What is the recommended angle of injection for intramuscular injections?

The recommended angle for intramuscular injections is 90 degrees. This angle ensures that the needle penetrates the muscle directly, allowing for proper delivery of the medication into the muscular tissue. When administering an intramuscular injection, using a 90-degree angle helps to maximize the absorption of the medication and minimizes the risk of injecting into subcutaneous tissue.

This angle is particularly important for larger muscle groups, such as the deltoid or gluteal muscles, where deep penetration is necessary for effective drug delivery. In contrast, lower angles like 15°, 30°, or 45° are more appropriate for subcutaneous injections, where the goal is to place the medication just beneath the skin rather than into the muscle itself. Therefore, administering an intramuscular injection at a 90-degree angle is crucial for achieving the desired therapeutic effect with optimal safety.