What is the primary advantage of subcutaneous injections?

The primary advantage of subcutaneous injections lies in their ability to minimize pain at the injection site compared to other injection methods. Subcutaneous injections are administered into the fatty tissue just under the skin, which tends to have fewer nerve endings than muscle, leading to a generally less painful experience for patients. This can encourage adherence to treatment among patients who might be apprehensive about needles.

In addition, subcutaneous injections are used to administer medications that require slower absorption rates into the bloodstream, making them suitable for drugs that need to provide a steady release over time. While faster absorption and the ability to deliver larger volumes are important for certain routes of administration, these characteristics are not typical advantages of subcutaneous injections. Furthermore, direct access to the bloodstream is a feature of intravenous injections, not subcutaneous ones. The advantage of reduced pain at the injection site is particularly relevant in clinical settings where patient comfort is a priority.