Intramuscular Naloxone Administration Guidelines

Recommended Injection Sites and Techniques

The American Heart Association recommends injecting naloxone into the deltoid muscle, anterolateral thigh, or ventrogluteal area using a standard IM injection technique with the needle inserted at a 90-degree angle 1, 2
The American Heart Association supports the use of multiple anatomical sites for IM injection, including the deltoid muscle, anterolateral thigh, and ventrogluteal area 1, 2
The deltoid muscle, specifically the middle third posterior aspect of the upper arm, is a recommended site for IM naloxone injection 1, 2, 3
The anterolateral thigh, specifically the upper third anterior lateral aspect, is a recommended site for IM naloxone injection 1, 2
The ventrogluteal area, specifically the upper outer buttock region, is a recommended site for IM naloxone injection 1, 2

The needle should be inserted at a 90-degree angle to the skin surface to ensure proper intramuscular delivery 1, 2
The typical starting dose for IM naloxone ranges from 0.4 to 2 mg, with the goal of restoring adequate ventilation without precipitating severe opioid withdrawal 1, 2

Avoid injecting into areas with lipohypertrophy, scars, or damaged tissue, as absorption will be unpredictable 3, 4
The effect of naloxone may wear off before the opioid, particularly with long-acting opioids, requiring repeat dosing and continued monitoring 1, 2