| Tradename: | Humulin R, Novolin R, Actrapid, others[1] |
| Dailymedid: | Humulin |
| Routes Of Administration: | Subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous |
| Atc Prefix: | A10 |
| Atc Suffix: | AB |
| Biosimilars: | Myxredlin |
| Legal Ca: | Rx-only |
| Legal Ca Comment: | /Schedule D[2] |
| Legal Us: | OTC |
| Legal Us Comment: | / Rx-only[3] |
| Onset: | 30 minutes |
| Duration Of Action: | 8 hours |
| Cas Number: | 9004-10-8 |
| Cas Supplemental: | (insulin human) |
| Chemspiderid: | none |
| Unii: | 1Y17CTI5SR |
| Synonyms: | insulin injection (soluble), neutral insulin, regular human insulin, human insulin (regular), Toronto insulin |
Regular insulin, also known as neutral insulin and soluble insulin, is a type of short-acting medical insulin. 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.[4] It is also used along with glucose to treat high blood potassium levels.[5] Typically it is given by injection under the skin, but may also be used by injection into a vein or muscle. Onset of effect is typically in 30 minutes and it typically lasts for 8 hours.[4]
The common side effect is low blood sugar.[4] Other side effects may include pain or skin changes at the sites of injection, low blood potassium, and allergic reactions.[4] Use during pregnancy is relatively safe for the baby.[4] Regular insulin can be made from the pancreas of pigs or cows. Human versions can be made either by modifying pig versions or recombinant technology.[6]
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 2million prescriptions.[9] Versions are also available mixed with longer-acting versions of insulin, such as NPH insulin.[6] In 2020, the combination of human insulin with insulin isophane was the 246th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 2million prescriptions.[10] [11]
Regular insulin is used for the long-term management of diabetes.[4] It is the treatment of choice for the two diabetic emergencies diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic states.[4] It may also be used in combination with glucose to lower potassium levels in those with hyperkalemia.[5]
Side effects may include: low blood sugar levels, skin reactions at the site of injection and low potassium levels among others.[4]
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.
It is sold by many manufacturers in a number of different forms.
By Eli Lilly these include:
In UK these include:[12]