Which of the following medications is commonly administered by subcutaneous injection?

• A. Insulin
• B. Epinephrine
• C. Both Insulin and Epinephrine
• D. None

Answer: (C)

Subcutaneous injection is used for medications that benefit from slower, steady absorption into the bloodstream. Insulin is a classic example: it’s given under the skin so it enters the circulation gradually and predictably, which is essential for managing blood glucose levels.

Epinephrine is most often given intramuscularly because that route provides the fastest, most reliable effect in emergencies like anaphylaxis. However, subcutaneous administration of epinephrine has been used in the past and can occur in certain situations or protocols, so in some practice settings you may encounter epinephrine given under the skin as well. That’s why this item associates both medications with the subcutaneous route.

In short, insulin is routinely subcutaneous; epinephrine is usually IM for rapid action, but subcutaneous administration is possible in certain contexts, making “both” the best choice for this question.