NPH insulin
A vial of NPH insulin with insulin syringe
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| Clinical data | |
|---|---|
| Trade names | Novolin N, Humulin N, others |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
| MedlinePlus | a682611 |
| Pregnancy category |
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| Routes of administration |
subcutaneous |
| ATC code | |
| Pharmacokinetic data | |
| Onset of action | 90 minutes |
| Duration of action | 24 hours |
| Identifiers | |
| Synonyms | neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin, protamine zinc insulin (slightly different), isophane insulin, compound insulin zinc suspension (slightly different), intermediate-acting insulin |
| CAS Number | |
NPH insulin, also known as isophane insulin, is an intermediate–acting insulin given to help control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. It is used by injection under the skin once to twice a day. Onset of effects is typically in 90 minutes and they last for 24 hours. Versions are avaliable that come premixed with a short–acting insulin, such as regular insulin.
The common side effect is low blood sugar. Other side effects may include pain or skin changes at the sites of injection, low blood potassium, and allergic reactions. Use during pregnancy is relatively safe for the baby. NPH insulin is made by mixing regular insulin and protamine in exact proportions with zinc and phenol such that a neutral-pH is maintained and crystals form. There are human and pig insulin based versions.
Protamine insulin was first created in 1936 and NPH insulin in 1946. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system. The wholesale cost in the developing world is about 2.23 to 10.35 USD per 1,000 iu of NPH insulin. In the United Kingdom 1,000 iu of NPH insulin costs the NHS 7.48 pounds while in the United States this amount costs about 134.00 USD.
NPH insulin is cloudy and has an onset of 1–4 hours. Its peak is 6–10 hours and its duration is about 10–16 hours.
Hans Christian Hagedorn (1888–1971) and August Krogh (1874–1949) obtained the rights for insulin from Banting and Best in Toronto, Canada. In 1923 they formed Nordisk Insulin laboratorium, and in 1926 with August Kongsted he obtained a Danish Royal Charter as a non-profit foundation.
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