What is the maximum volume of a drug that can be administered per site via IM injection in adults?

The maximum volume of a drug that can be administered via intramuscular (IM) injection in adults is generally considered to be 3 cc (or 3 mL). This limit is important for ensuring effective absorption of the medication and minimizing discomfort or injury to the muscle tissue.

When larger volumes are required, it's typically advisable to divide the dosage among multiple muscle sites. Administering more than 3 cc in a single IM injection may lead to complications such as muscle damage, localized pain, and increased risk of injecting the medication inadvertently into other tissues or spaces, which can result in various adverse effects.

It's important to note that different muscles in the body may have varying tolerances for injected volumes. For example, the deltoid muscle usually accommodates less volume compared to the larger gluteal or vastus lateralis muscles. Nonetheless, 3 cc is a widely accepted standard for IM injections across most adult populations.