What medications are given by subcutaneous injection?

Examples of subcutaneous medications include insulin, opioids, heparin, epinephrine, and allergy medication (Perry et al., 2014). To administer an SC injection, a 25 to 30 gauge, 3/8 in. to 5/8 in. needle is used. Some subcutaneous injections come prefilled with the syringe attached.

What are the 2 most common medications given subcutaneously?

Insulin and some hormones are commonly administered as subcutaneous injections. Other drugs that need to be given very quickly can also be administered via subcutaneous injection.

Why are some drugs given subcutaneously?

Subcutaneous injection can be used to give many types of medications for various medical conditions. There are fewer blood vessels in the fatty layer of connective tissue just beneath the skin than the muscle tissue. Having fewer blood vessels means that medication injected subcutaneously is absorbed more slowly.

Is heparin given subcutaneously?

Administer the heparin by deep subcutaneous (intrafat, i.e., above the iliac crest or abdominal fat layer, arm, or thigh) injection with a fine (25 to 26-gauge) needle to minimize tissue trauma. Add 450 USP units to 600 USP units of heparin sodium per 100 mL of whole blood to prevent coagulation.

Why insulin is given subcutaneously?

The preferred tissue space for insulin injection is the subcutaneous layer, which is the fat layer just below the dermis and above the muscle1; it offers slow, stable and predictable absorption, whatever the fat tissue depth2. Stable and predictable absorption of insulin will support optimal blood glucose control.

Where are subcutaneous injections administered?

A subcutaneous injection is given into the subcutaneous fat under the skin. The skin is made up of different layers. Underneath the epidermis and dermis, which contain sweat glands and hair follicles, is a layer of fat. This is the area into which subcutaneous injections are given.

What are the advantage of subcutaneous route?

As subcutaneous tissue has few blood vessels, the injected drug is diffused very slowly at a sustained rate of absorption. Therefore, it is highly effective in administering vaccines, growth hormones, and insulin, which require continuous delivery at a low dose rate.

Why are subcutaneous injections usually given at a 45 or 90 degree angle?

Angle of injection It is recommended that subcutaneous injections, particularly of insulin, are administered at a 90-degree angle to ensure that the medication is delivered into the subcutaneous tissue (Down and Kirkland, 2012; Hunter, 2008).

Why is LMWH given subcutaneously?

As a type of heparin, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is only administered subcutaneously [3]. LMWH is frequently prescribed for preventing or treating venous thromboembolism because of its high bio-availability and predictable anticoagulant effect [4], [5].