![]() A vial of regular human insulin | |
Clinical data | |
---|---|
Trade names | Humulin R, Novolin R, Actrapid, others [1] [2] |
Other names | insulin injection (soluble), [2] neutral insulin, [2] regular human insulin, human insulin (regular), Toronto insulin |
Biosimilars | Myxredlin [3] |
AHFS/ Drugs.com | Monograph |
MedlinePlus | a682611 |
License data | |
Routes of administration | Subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous [2] |
ATC code | |
Legal status | |
Legal status | |
Pharmacokinetic data | |
Onset of action | 30 minutes |
Duration of action | 8 hours |
Identifiers | |
CAS Number |
|
ChemSpider |
|
UNII |
Regular insulin, also known as neutral insulin and soluble insulin, is a type of short-acting medical insulin. [2] It is used to treat type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and complications of diabetes such as diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic states. [5] It is also used along with glucose to treat high blood potassium levels. [6] Typically it is given by injection under the skin, but may also be used by injection into a vein or muscle. [2] Onset of effect is typically in 30 minutes and it typically lasts for 8 hours. [5]
The common side effect is low blood sugar. [5] Other side effects may include pain or skin changes at the sites of injection, low blood potassium, and allergic reactions. [5] Use during pregnancy is relatively safe for the baby. [5] Regular insulin can be made from the pancreas of pigs or cows. [2] Human versions can be made either by modifying pig versions or recombinant technology. [2]
Insulin was first used as a medication in Canada by Charles Best and Frederick Banting in 1922. [7] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. [8] In 2017, it was the 209th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 2 million prescriptions. [9] Versions are also available mixed with longer-acting versions of insulin, such as NPH insulin. [2] In 2020, the combination of human insulin with insulin isophane was the 246th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 2 million prescriptions. [10] [11]
Regular insulin is used for the long-term management of diabetes. [5] It is the treatment of choice for the two diabetic emergencies diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic states. [5] It may also be used in combination with glucose to lower potassium levels in those with hyperkalemia. [6]
Side effects may include: low blood sugar levels, skin reactions at the site of injection and low potassium levels among others. [5]
Humulin, one brand name for a group of biosynthetic human insulin products, is synthesized in a laboratory strain of Escherichia coli bacteria which has been genetically altered with recombinant DNA to produce biosynthetic human insulin. Humulin R consists of zinc-insulin crystals dissolved in a clear fluid.[ citation needed]
It is sold by many manufacturers in a number of different forms.
By Eli Lilly these include:[ citation needed]
In UK these include: [12]
![]() A vial of regular human insulin | |
Clinical data | |
---|---|
Trade names | Humulin R, Novolin R, Actrapid, others [1] [2] |
Other names | insulin injection (soluble), [2] neutral insulin, [2] regular human insulin, human insulin (regular), Toronto insulin |
Biosimilars | Myxredlin [3] |
AHFS/ Drugs.com | Monograph |
MedlinePlus | a682611 |
License data | |
Routes of administration | Subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous [2] |
ATC code | |
Legal status | |
Legal status | |
Pharmacokinetic data | |
Onset of action | 30 minutes |
Duration of action | 8 hours |
Identifiers | |
CAS Number |
|
ChemSpider |
|
UNII |
Regular insulin, also known as neutral insulin and soluble insulin, is a type of short-acting medical insulin. [2] It is used to treat type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and complications of diabetes such as diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic states. [5] It is also used along with glucose to treat high blood potassium levels. [6] Typically it is given by injection under the skin, but may also be used by injection into a vein or muscle. [2] Onset of effect is typically in 30 minutes and it typically lasts for 8 hours. [5]
The common side effect is low blood sugar. [5] Other side effects may include pain or skin changes at the sites of injection, low blood potassium, and allergic reactions. [5] Use during pregnancy is relatively safe for the baby. [5] Regular insulin can be made from the pancreas of pigs or cows. [2] Human versions can be made either by modifying pig versions or recombinant technology. [2]
Insulin was first used as a medication in Canada by Charles Best and Frederick Banting in 1922. [7] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. [8] In 2017, it was the 209th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 2 million prescriptions. [9] Versions are also available mixed with longer-acting versions of insulin, such as NPH insulin. [2] In 2020, the combination of human insulin with insulin isophane was the 246th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 2 million prescriptions. [10] [11]
Regular insulin is used for the long-term management of diabetes. [5] It is the treatment of choice for the two diabetic emergencies diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic states. [5] It may also be used in combination with glucose to lower potassium levels in those with hyperkalemia. [6]
Side effects may include: low blood sugar levels, skin reactions at the site of injection and low potassium levels among others. [5]
Humulin, one brand name for a group of biosynthetic human insulin products, is synthesized in a laboratory strain of Escherichia coli bacteria which has been genetically altered with recombinant DNA to produce biosynthetic human insulin. Humulin R consists of zinc-insulin crystals dissolved in a clear fluid.[ citation needed]
It is sold by many manufacturers in a number of different forms.
By Eli Lilly these include:[ citation needed]
In UK these include: [12]