| Vitamin / Injection | Standard IM Dose | Frequency | Route | Site | Primary Indications | Onset of Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) | 1,000mcg (1mL) | Weekly to monthly maintenance; daily for deficiency loading | IM or SubQ | Deltoid preferred | Fatigue, B12 deficiency, neurological support, vegans/vegetarians, GLP-1 patients | Energy: hours to days. Deficiency correction: weeks |
| Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) | 1,000–5,000mcg | Weekly to monthly | IM or SubQ | Deltoid | Preferred form for neurological symptoms, neuropathy, depression. Bioavailable immediately — no conversion needed | Similar to cyanocobalamin — neurological improvement: weeks to months |
| B-Complex (B1/B2/B3/B5/B6) | 1mL (standard concentration per compounding pharmacy) | Weekly | IM | Deltoid | Energy, stress support, metabolism, GLP-1 adjunct, adrenal support, alcohol recovery | Energy boost: within hours. Systemic effects: weeks of consistent use |
| MIC / Lipo-C (Methionine-Inositol-Choline) | 1–2mL | Weekly to twice weekly | IM | Deltoid preferred | Fat metabolism, liver support, weight loss adjunct, GLP-1 combination, lipid management | Metabolic support ongoing — not a standalone weight loss tool |
| Glutathione (IM) | 200–600mg (concentration varies by pharmacy) | Weekly to twice weekly | IM or IV push | Deltoid (IM) or IV push | Antioxidant, skin brightening, liver detox, immune support, NAD+ adjunct | Antioxidant effects immediate. Skin brightening: 8–10 sessions |
| Biotin (Vitamin B7) | 5,000–10,000mcg (5–10mg) | Weekly to monthly | IM | Deltoid | Hair thinning, nail brittleness, GLP-1 patients (biotin supports hair loss from rapid weight loss) | Hair and nail changes: 3–6 months minimum |
| Vitamin D3 (high dose) | 50,000–200,000 IU per injection (loading) OR 50,000 IU maintenance | Monthly (maintenance); weekly x 8 (deficiency loading) | IM | Ventrogluteal or deltoid | Vitamin D deficiency, immune support, bone health, mood, thyroid function, weight management | Serum levels increase within 24–48 hours. Symptomatic improvement: 4–8 weeks |
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Prepare | Review chart and consent | Confirm allergy history. Confirm consent signed. Review current medications for interactions (Metformin + B12, biotin + labs). |
| 2. Gather supplies | Syringe + needle + vial + alcohol wipes + gauze + sharps container | Select appropriate needle gauge and length for route and site. Single-use vials preferred. Multi-dose vials: note BUD (beyond use date), wipe septum with alcohol each use. |
| 3. Draw medication | Clean technique — no touch of needle | Inject air equal to dose volume into vial. Draw medication. Tap out air bubbles. Confirm dose volume against order. |
| 4. Site selection | Select and expose injection site | Deltoid for most vitamin injections. Confirm appropriate site for volume (deltoid max 2mL). Rotate from last injection site. |
| 5. Clean site | Alcohol wipe in circular motion | Clean 2-inch diameter area. Allow to air dry completely — 30 seconds. Do not blow on site or fan dry. |
| 6. Inject | 90° angle, smooth and controlled | Spread skin taut (not pinch for IM). Insert in one smooth motion. Aspirate 5–10 seconds. If no blood: inject at 1mL/10 seconds. Withdraw at same angle. |
| 7. Post-injection | Apply pressure, dispose, document | Apply gauze with gentle pressure 30 seconds. Dispose needle immediately in sharps container. Document: medication, dose, lot number, expiration, site, any reactions. |
| 8. Monitor | Observe 10–15 minutes | Patient remains in office briefly. Watch for immediate hypersensitivity reaction: flushing, itching, hives, dyspnea. Anaphylaxis kit immediately accessible. |
Transdermal vs intradermal vs subcutaneous vs intramuscular vs intravenous — complete route comparison, needle selection guide, Z-track technique, aspiration rules, IM site landmarks, and complication management. The one clinical reference every injection provider needs printed and posted.