Insulin Intermediate Acting (NPH) Injection 40 IU/mL – As Licensed
📄 **Description:
NPH Insulin** (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn) is an intermediate-acting human insulin. It is modified by adding protamine and zinc, which delays its absorption and extends its duration of action. It is commonly used in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus for basal insulin coverage.
💊 Prescription / Use:
- Indications:
- Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus when oral therapy fails
- As basal insulin in combination with short-acting insulin
- Gestational diabetes (when needed)
- Dosage Form:
- Injection: 40 IU/mL
- Supplied in 10 mL vials (400 IU total per vial)
- Subcutaneous injection only
- Prescription drug (Schedule H) under Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945
🔬 Nature:
- Human insulin suspension with protamine and zinc
- Milky-white suspension
- Onset: 1–2 hours
- Peak: 4–8 hours
- Duration: 12–16 hours
- Cannot be administered IV (only SC)
🌟 Advantages:
- Provides prolonged glucose control (basal effect)
- Requires fewer injections than regular insulin alone
- Suitable for twice-daily insulin regimens
- Compatible with mixing regular insulin in same syringe
📦 Common Packaging:
- 10 mL vial (40 IU/mL concentration)
- Label includes:
- Drug name: NPH Human Insulin
- Concentration
- Batch number, manufacturing/expiry dates
- Storage instructions
- Milky suspension appearance
🧊 Storage:
- Store in a refrigerator at 2°C–8°C
- Do not freeze
- After opening, may be stored at room temperature (<25°C) for up to 28 days
- Protect from light and heat
- Roll gently between hands before use to re-suspend evenly (do not shake vigorously)
⚠️ Precautions:
- Check blood glucose regularly
- Risk of hypoglycemia, especially if meals are delayed or missed
- Rotate injection sites to avoid lipodystrophy
- Avoid alcohol (can alter insulin effectiveness)
- Do not mix with insulin glargine or detemir in the same syringe
- Ensure proper resuspension before injection
👩⚕️ Patient Advice:
- Inject in subcutaneous fat (abdomen, thigh, buttock, upper arm)
- Learn how to resuspend cloudy insulin before use
- Take meals on time to avoid low sugar
- Be alert for hypoglycemia signs (sweating, confusion, fast heartbeat, tremors)
- Keep a source of fast-acting sugar (glucose tablets, juice) nearby
- Use new needle for each injection
- Never freeze the vial
- Don’t inject cold insulin — allow to reach room temperature