Regular insulin

Regular insulin

A vial of regular human insulin
Clinical data
Trade names	Humulin R, Novolin R, Actrapid, others
AHFS/Drugs.com	Monograph
MedlinePlus	a682611
Pregnancy category	US: B (No risk in non-human studies)
Routes of administration	subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous
ATC code	A10AB (WHO)
Legal status
Legal status	US: OTC
Pharmacokinetic data
Onset of action	30 minutes
Duration of action	8 hours
Identifiers
Synonyms	insulin injection (soluble), neutral insulin, regular human insulin, human insulin (regular)
CAS Number	9004-10-8
ChemSpider	none

Regular insulin, also known as neutral insulin and soluble insulin is a type of short acting insulin. It is used to treat diabetes mellitus type 1, diabetes mellitus type 2, gestational diabetes, and complications of diabetes such as diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic states. It is also used along with glucose to treat high blood potassium levels. 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 they last for 8 hours.

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. 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.

Insulin was first used as a medication in Canada by Charles Best and Frederick Banting in 1922. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. The wholesale cost in the developing world is about 2.39 to 10.61 USD per 1,000 iu of regular insulin. In the United Kingdom 1,000 iu costs the NHS 7.48 pounds, while in the United States this amount is about 134.00 USD. Versions are also available mixed with longer–acting versions of insulin, such as NPH insulin.