Known brand names include Humulin N.
An intermediate-acting human insulin, white and cloudy after mixing, injected under the skin. It lowers blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes and starts later and lasts longer than regular insulin.
High-alert medication. Insulin, subcutaneous and IV, is on the ISMP acute care high-alert list as a class. This record covers subcutaneous use only.
Sources: [1]
The label does not describe a narrow therapeutic index or direct dosing by measured blood levels of the drug.
Sources: [1]
Hypoglycemia: oral glucose for mild episodes; a glucagon product or concentrated IV glucose for coma, seizures, or neurologic impairment. Continue carbohydrates and observation because lows can recur after apparent recovery. Correct any hypokalemia.
Sources: [1]
Doses come from the FDA label. Study tool, not for clinical decisions.
No fixed adjustment; not studied. Hypoglycemia risk is higher, so expect more frequent dose changes and glucose checks.
Sources: [1]
No fixed adjustment; not studied. Hypoglycemia risk is higher, so expect more frequent dose changes and glucose checks.
Sources: [1]
Intermediate-acting human insulin (isophane: crystals of human insulin and protamine), with slower onset and longer duration than regular insulin. Lowers glucose by driving uptake into muscle and fat and suppressing hepatic glucose production; also blocks lipolysis and proteolysis and shifts potassium into cells. After 0.4 unit/kg subcutaneously, median peak effect 6.5 hours (range 2.8 to 13) and median peak serum insulin about 4 hours.