A vial of regular human insulin
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| 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 |
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| Routes of administration | Subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous[2] |
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| Pharmacokinetic data | |
| Onset of action | 30 minutes |
| Duration of action | 8 hours |
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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 veinormuscle.[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 CanadabyCharles 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]
