What are the advantages of subcutaneous injection?

Answer 1

Avoids first pass effect in the liver and there is high bioavailability of the drug in the body. "Some medications are best administered into the subcutaneous tissue by a needle. This route has the advantage of almost complete absorption, providing the patient's circulation is good; therefore an accurate measure of the amount of the drug absorption is possible. Medicines administered in this manner are not affected by gastric disturbances (although it should be remembered that the medicines may themselves cause gastrointestinal disturbances), nor is their administration dependent upon the consciousness or rationality of the patient."

Answer 2

Some meds, like insulin, cannot be swallowed as it won't allow for absorption in the stomach. Giving meds "subQ" will ensure the medicine is absorbed into the system.

Answer 3

Because the blood vessels found in the hypodermis (subcutaneous layer), and not found in the epidermis, allow for more rapid delivery of the injection.

Answer 4

Insulin is given subcutaneously or intramuscularly as it is too labile in the gastrointestinal tract to be give orally,