IV, IM, SC and "IV infusion" labels explained

Route abbreviations

The "route" is the way a medicine enters the body. On injections it is usually written as a short abbreviation, either on the pack or as part of the dosage form in the DGDA registry.

• IV: intravenous, meaning into a vein.
• IM: intramuscular, meaning into a muscle.
• SC (also SQ or "subcut"): subcutaneous, meaning into the layer just under the skin.
• IV/IM: the product is labelled for either the intravenous or the intramuscular route.

In the DGDA registry snapshot used on this site, injectable products appear under dosage forms such as "Injection", "IV Injection", "IM Injection", "IV/IM Injection", "IV Infusion" and "Solution for Infusion".

Injection vs infusion

• Injection: a dose of sterile liquid delivered through a needle, usually over a short time.
• Infusion: a larger volume of sterile liquid delivered slowly over a longer time, usually from a bag or bottle through a drip line. "IV infusion" means an infusion into a vein.

Containers and packaging words

• Vial: a small glass or plastic bottle sealed with a rubber stopper.
• Ampoule: a small sealed glass container, usually holding a single dose.
• Prefilled syringe: a syringe supplied already filled with the medicine.
• Powder for injection: sterile powder in a vial that is made into a liquid before use.
• Water for Injection: sterile water, listed in the registry as a product in its own right.

How strength is written on injections

• mg/mL: the amount of active ingredient in each millilitre of liquid.
• mg/vial or gm/vial: the amount of active ingredient in the whole vial.
• gm/100 mL or gm/50 mL: the amount in the whole bag or bottle, common for infusions.
• %: an amount per 100 mL. For example, the registry lists a 0.9% sodium chloride saline as 9 mg/mL.

These describe what is in the container. They are not an amount to be given.

Matching an injection to the registry

When you look up an injection, match the brand, the generic, the strength and the full dosage form, including the route. An "IV Infusion" and an "IM Injection" of the same generic are different registered products.

Browse injection and infusion dosage forms in the registry

How to read medicine strength: mg, mcg, mg/mL, %

Check a pack's brand name or DAR number

This guide explains label words only. Whether, how and by which route any injection is given is a decision for a registered doctor; ask a doctor or pharmacist about any injection.