What it means
A route abbreviation for drugs sprayed or dropped into the nose, such as some naloxone, flu vaccine and pain medicine forms. ISMP lists IN as error-prone because it can be misread as IM (intramuscular) or IV (intravenous). Write "intranasal" in full.
For the nurse
If an order says "IN", confirm the route with the prescriber before giving the drug, and write "intranasal" yourself.
Related terms
intramuscular
Into a muscle; used for a drug given by injection into muscle tissue.
IV
Intravenous: into a vein, or the tube placed in a vein to give fluids and drugs.