Which gauge range is recommended for intramuscular injections?

The recommended gauge range for intramuscular injections is typically between 21 to 23 gauge. This range is ideal because it strikes a balance between providing enough thickness to ensure the medication is delivered efficiently while still being small enough to minimize discomfort for the patient.

Whether the injection is to be administered into the deltoid, vastus lateralis, or ventrogluteal muscle, a gauge within this range helps facilitate the flow of thicker medication formulations without causing unnecessary damage to the muscle tissue. Smaller gauge needles, like those in the 24-26 range, may create resistance when injecting thicker solutions, potentially leading to slower administration and discomfort. Conversely, larger gauge needles, such as those above 20 gauge, while effective for some types of injections, may be more painful and unnecessary for standard intramuscular delivery, where the 21-23 gauge is widely accepted and preferred.