What is the maximum volume that can be administered via intramuscular injection?

Intramuscular (IM) injections are typically used to deliver larger volumes of medication than subcutaneous injections due to the muscle's capacity to hold more fluid. The correct maximum volume that can generally be administered via an intramuscular injection is within the range of 1-2 mL for smaller muscle groups, such as the deltoid, and can reach higher volumes, such as 2-3 mL, in larger muscles like the gluteus maximus or vastus lateralis.

While some sources may state that larger volumes (up to 3-5 mL) can be given in certain large muscle sites, this practice may not be universally accepted and can depend on the patient's size, age, and specific muscle site used. Additionally, injecting larger volumes may increase the risk of pain, tissue damage, or complications.

Therefore, the safest and most widely accepted volume range for most adult intramuscular injections is 1-2 mL, making this the accurate choice for effective medication administration while minimizing potential risks.