How is adrenaline administered in this protocol?

• A. Intravenous (IV)
• B. Subcutaneous
• C. Intramuscularly (IM)
• D. Oral

Answer: (C)

Adrenaline is given intramuscularly into the mid-outer thigh because this route provides fast, reliable absorption in an acute emergency, giving a rapid systemic effect to reverse symptoms like swelling, airway compromise, and hypotension. Muscular tissue in the thigh has good blood flow, so the adrenaline reaches the circulation quickly, which is crucial when time is critical. Intramuscular administration is also safer to manage in a dental setting than intravenous delivery, which requires expert control and carries higher risks of sudden, severe reactions. Subcutaneous injection tends to absorb more slowly and with more variability, delaying the response, while oral administration is ineffective for emergencies due to unpredictable and poor absorption. In practice, this is typically done with a preloaded auto-injector into the outer thigh for speed and reliability, with repeat dosing if necessary.