Subcutaneous

Definition

Subcutaneous refers to the administration of medication or fluids into the tissue layer between the skin and muscle. This route is often used for drugs that require slow, sustained absorption.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Insulin is commonly administered subcutaneously to manage blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.
2. The preferred sites for subcutaneous injections include the abdomen, thigh, and upper arm.
3. Subcutaneous injections typically use a shorter needle compared to intramuscular injections.
4. The absorption rate of subcutaneous injections can be influenced by factors such as blood flow and injection site.
5. Patients must rotate injection sites to avoid lipodystrophy, which is the abnormal distribution of fat in areas where insulin is frequently injected.

Review Questions

• What are common injection sites for subcutaneous insulin administration?
• Why is it important to rotate injection sites for subcutaneous injections?
• How does the absorption rate of a drug administered subcutaneously compare to other routes?

Related terms

Intravenous (IV): Administration of medication directly into a vein.

Intramuscular (IM): Injection of medication into a muscle.

Pharmacokinetics: The study of how drugs move through the body.