Abstract: A self-contained apparatus which facilitates intramuscular or subcutaneous injection of medications is disclosed herein. All components normally required for such injections, i.e., antiseptic, antiseptic applicator, hypodermic needle of appropriate length and gauge, and unit dose of injectable medication are maintained under sterile conditions within subject invention. The apparatus, in a preferred embodiment, contains a single compressed gas cartridge which when ruptured provides power to: (1) sever retention shear tabs of a slidable injection assembly, (2) propel said slidable injection assembly from a storage position to an operating position, (3) couple one end of a double-ended hypodermic needle with the unit dose of medication, (4) insert the other end of said double-ended hypodermic needle into tissues, (5) automatically effect controlled aspiration, (6) expel the medication into tissues of the injection site, and (7) indicate the site of injection as well as the type of medication used.

Abstract: An apparatus for parenteral administration of medications is disclosed herein. The apparatus, in a preferred embodiment, is completely self-contained, i.e., all components normally required for intramuscular injection including antiseptic and antiseptic applicator for disinfection of the injection site, hypodermic needle, unit dose of injectable medication and means of automatically effecting injection of said unit dose are contained within the subject invention. An injection method is also described herein.

Abstract: An apparatus for intramuscular or subcutaneous injection of medications featuring automatic aspiration capability is disclosed herein. In a preferred embodiment the apparatus is completely self-contained, i.e., all components required for injection including antiseptic, antiseptic applicator, sterile needle of appropriate gauge and length, sterile medication in unit dose form, means of automatically inserting the hypodermic needle in tissues of the injection site, unique means of automatic aspiration, and means of automatically injecting said unit dose are contained within the subject invention. An injection method and a method for automatic aspiration are also disclosed herein.