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Pain From Intramuscular Injections

Intramuscular injections can often get drugs into the body more effectively than other methods, but they typically cause pain. Proper preparation and injection practices can limit this discomfort.

  1. Intramuscular Injection

    • An intramuscular injection, in which a needle penetrates the muscle tissue, may help a patient better absorb certain medications such as antibiotics or vaccines, according to the Aurora Health Care website.

    Pain

    • Intramuscular injections usually cause some degree of discomfort either at the injection site or within the muscle. Rarer causes of pain can include secondary infections or reactions.

    Correct Preparation

    • Making sure the medication reaches room temperature, removing any air bubbles and relaxing the muscle before injecting the medication can all help minimize pain.

    Correct Injection Practices

    • To perform an injection with minimal discomfort, insert the needle quickly to break cleanly through the skin without changing the direction of the needle’s motion in or out of the muscle. Avoid re-using a disposable needle.

    When to Get Help

    • Get medical assistance if you inject a medication into the wrong area and develop a rash, swelling or fever; or if you experience unusually severe pain from an injection; or if you cannot complete the injection properly.

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