How should adrenaline/epinephrine be administered during an allergic reaction treatment?

Administering adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, into the thigh is the recommended practice during the treatment of an allergic reaction, particularly in cases of anaphylaxis. The thigh is chosen because it has a large muscle mass and allows for rapid absorption of the medication into the bloodstream, which is crucial in effectively counteracting severe allergic reactions.

Intramuscular injection in the mid-anterolateral thigh, commonly referred to as the vastus lateralis muscle, facilitates a prompt and effective response. This route is favored for several reasons: the thickness of the muscle provides a good surface area for absorption, and injecting into the thigh minimizes the risk of injecting into a vein or nerve, which could lead to complications.

Other methods, such as administration into the arm, under the tongue, or in the abdomen, are not ideal for treating anaphylaxis. The arm may not provide as quick an absorption due to less muscle mass and could also pose a higher risk of intravenous injection. Subcutaneous (under the skin) injections, as would be effectively done under the tongue, typically do not provide the speed required in emergencies. Administering epinephrine in the abdomen, while it may be effective in other contexts, also does not offer the optimal