The treatment of choice for anaphylaxis is intramuscular adrenaline which should be administered into the anterolateral aspect, or outer side, of the middle third of the thigh.

There are no absolute contra-indications to the use of adrenaline in the management of anaphylaxis.

The intra-muscular route is advised because it provides quicker adrenaline absorption when compared to the subcutaneous route. The rate of absorption of adrenaline is higher when administered into the thigh in comparison to administration into the arm.

Rapid absorption of the adrenaline is obviously important when considering the potentially fatal nature of an anaphylactic reaction.

Additional benefits of the intra-muscular route include:

• Increased safety margin.
• Intravenous access is not required.
• Easier administration route to learn.