Page 19 - Pharmaceutics IV (02-06-01305)

Parenterals: Routes 16

Subcutaneous (SC, sub-Q)

• Injections are made in the fat layer/adipose tissue
under the dermal skin layer

• IM injections have a slower onset of action than
by the IM or IV routes (rapidity: IV> IM > SC)

• Drugs administered via this route include insulin,
heparin and epinephrine, among others.

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Parenterals: Routes

Subcutaneous (SC, sub-Q)

• Location:
The outer upper arm, the anterior thigh (upper
legs), or the lower abdomen. The site of injection
is usually rotated when injections are frequently
given, as with daily insulin injections.
• Volume:
Ranges from 0.5–2 mL

32

Salma E. EL-Habashy