Subcutaneous injection is one method of administering drugs in the human body. Up to 2 ml solution of a drug can be directly injected beneath the skin. This way, a drug can take effect within 20 minutes. This method is done using a small amount of fluid drug to a patient who cannot take the meds orally, or if the drug is sensitive and can easily be destroyed by intestinal secretions. Not all liquid drugs can be administered through subcutaneously.
There are drugs that can harm the superficial tissues of the skin. In this case, intramuscular or intravenous injection is done. When administering any medication, the medical provider should remember to administer the right kind of drug to the right person, with the right dosage, through the right route and site at the perfect time.
When administering subcutaneous injection, a small and thin needle is used and inserted just beneath the skin, and then the drug is injected slowly. The drug will then moves directly to the small blood vessels going to the blood stream. Drugs are usually injected in the abdomen, upper leg or upper arm. Individuals can have different reactions to drugs administered subcutaneously.
That's why the health team must monitor the patient's reaction especially when a drug introduced for the first time. Any adverse reactions should be reported immediately to the medical staff. If the patient requires frequent injections, the drug should be injected in different sites each time. If subcutaneous injection is done properly, there will be no complications that can harm the health of both the patient and the care provider.