 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 | |
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Regular insulin, also known asneutral insulin andsoluble insulin, is a type ofshort-actingmedical insulin.[2] It is used to treattype 1 diabetes,type 2 diabetes,gestational diabetes, and complications ofdiabetes such asdiabetic ketoacidosis andhyperosmolar hyperglycemic states.[5] It is also used along withglucose to treathigh blood potassium levels.[6] Typically it is given byinjection under the skin, but may also be used byinjection into a vein ormuscle.[2] Onset of effect is typically in 30 minutes and it typically lasts for 8 hours.[5]
The common side effect islow blood sugar.[5] Other side effects may include pain or skin changes at the sites of injection,low blood potassium, andallergic reactions.[5] Use duringpregnancy is relatively safe for the baby.[5] Regular insulin can be made from thepancreas of pigs or cows.[2] Human versions can be made either by modifying pig versions orrecombinant technology.[2]
Insulin was first used as a medication inCanada byCharles Best andFrederick Banting in 1922.[7] It is on theWorld 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 asNPH 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 emergenciesdiabetic ketoacidosis andhyperosmolar hyperglycemic states.[5] It may also be used in combination with glucose to lower potassium levels in those withhyperkalemia.[6]
Side effects may include:low blood sugar levels, skin reactions at the site of injection andlow potassium levels among others.[5]
Humulin, onebrand name for a group of biosynthetic humaninsulin products, is synthesized in a laboratory strain ofEscherichia coli bacteria which has been genetically altered withrecombinant 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]
