What is the maximum volume typically injected intramuscularly?

The maximum volume typically injected intramuscularly is generally considered to be 5 mL in adults. This is because larger volumes can lead to tissue damage and inadequate absorption of the medication, due to the limited size of the muscle and the increased risk of pain or injury.

In practice, injections exceeding this volume may not be absorbed effectively or may cause discomfort to the patient. For intramuscular injections in children or smaller adults, the recommended maximum volume may be even lower, often around 1 to 2 mL, depending on the muscle being used for the injection. Generally, specific muscle groups like the deltoid allow for smaller volumes (up to about 2 mL), while larger muscle groups, such as the gluteus maximus or vastus lateralis, can accommodate larger volumes up to 5 mL.