Administration of 800mg Long-Acting Aripiprazole Injection
The 800mg dose of long-acting aripiprazole (Abilify) injection should be administered as a deep intramuscular injection into the gluteal muscle using a proper injection technique with appropriate needle length.
Preparation and Administration Protocol
Pre-Injection Assessment
- Verify the medication label to confirm it is the correct long-acting aripiprazole formulation
- Ensure the medication appears as expected (no visible contamination or abnormal appearance)
- Allow refrigerated medication to reach room temperature before administration for more comfortable injection
Equipment Needed
- Appropriate needle for deep gluteal intramuscular injection (typically 21-22 gauge, 1.5-2 inch needle)
- Alcohol swabs for site preparation
- Gloves
- Bandage
Administration Technique
Select the injection site:
- Use the upper outer quadrant of the gluteal muscle
- Alternate between left and right gluteal muscles for subsequent injections
Prepare the injection site:
- Clean the site with an alcohol swab and allow to dry completely
Administer the injection:
- Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle using a smooth, firm motion
- Aspirate slightly to ensure the needle is not in a blood vessel
- Inject the medication slowly to minimize discomfort
- After complete delivery, count to 10 before withdrawing the needle
- Apply gentle pressure to the site after withdrawal
Post-injection:
- Do not massage the injection site as this may alter absorption
- Apply a bandage if needed
- Dispose of the needle and syringe in appropriate sharps container
- Monitor the patient for at least 30 minutes after injection for any immediate adverse reactions
Important Considerations
Dosing Regimen
- The 800mg dose is typically administered once every 4-8 weeks depending on the specific formulation
- For patients starting treatment, an oral aripiprazole supplementation regimen may be required during the initial period
Safety Precautions
- Never reuse needles or syringes
- Ensure proper needle length to reach gluteal muscle (especially important in patients with higher BMI)
- Avoid injection into blood vessels by proper aspiration technique
- Monitor for post-injection syndrome or adverse reactions
Documentation
- Record the date, time, dose, injection site, and any patient reactions
- Plan and document the site for the next injection to ensure proper rotation
This administration protocol ensures proper delivery of the long-acting aripiprazole injection while minimizing patient discomfort and potential complications.