Actrapid Vial 100IU/ml

Uses of Actrapid Vial 100IU/ml

• Diabetes (Type 1 diabetes mellitus, Type 2 diabetes mellitus)

How does Actrapid Vial 100IU/ml work?

Actrapid Vial 100IU/ml facilitates the utilization of glucose present in the bloodstream. By aiding the transportation of glucose from the blood to muscles and fat tissues, it curbs the liver's glucose production. Consequently, this medication effectively manages blood sugar levels and enhances glycemic control in individuals with diabetes mellitus.

Side Effects of Actrapid Vial 100IU/ml

• Injection site reactions (pain, redness, itching, swelling)
• Lipodystrophy (shrinkage of fat tissues under the skin)
• Lumps under the skin
• Edema (swelling of face, hands, legs)
• Low blood sugar levels (fatigue, hunger, nausea, headache, nervousness, cold sweats, rapid heartbeat)

Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:

• Signs of heart failure (shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling of body parts, sudden weight gain)
• Serious allergic reaction (hives, swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat, difficulty in breathing or swallowing)

Quick Suggestions:

• Take it 20-30 minutes before meals to optimize its effect.
• Be aware of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) symptoms: sweating, rapid heartbeat, weakness, blurry vision, and headache.
• For faster absorption, inject it below the skin of the abdomen. Rotate injection sites to prevent lumps at one spot.
• Opened vials/cartridges are safe at room temperature for up to 4 weeks; unopened ones should be refrigerated (2°C–8°C).

Indication

• Insulin Human ensures rapid and consistent control of blood sugar levels.
• It's a fast-acting insulin that lowers blood sugar after meals, preventing severe diabetes complications.
• By promoting sugar uptake in muscle and fat cells, it curbs sugar production in the liver.
• This improves glycaemic control, reducing risks like retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and delayed wound healing.

Pharmacology

Insulin effectively reduces blood glucose levels by regulating carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism. It achieves this by inhibiting liver glucose production and lipolysis while enhancing glucose uptake in peripheral tissues. Insulin formulations vary in their duration of action after subcutaneous injection. They are categorized as short-, intermediate-, or long-acting insulin. Soluble insulin, also called 'neutral insulin' or 'regular insulin,' is a short-acting variant. To extend insulin's effects, some formulations are mixed with proteins to delay the release. Examples include protamine zinc insulin (with excess protamine) and isophane insulin (or NPH insulin, containing equal protamine and insulin). Another method modifies particle size, like insulin zinc suspensions. While all can be injected subcutaneously, most can be given intramuscularly, and only soluble insulin can be administered intravenously. Intramuscular administration often leads to faster onset but shorter duration compared to subcutaneous injection.

Dosage & Administration of Actrapid Vial 100IU/ml

Adult Dose

• Subcutaneous Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Initial dose is 0.2-0.4 units/kg/day SC, divided every 8 hours or more frequently. The maintenance dose is 0.5-1 unit/kg/day SC, divided every 8 hours or more frequently. In cases of insulin-resistant patients (e.g., due to obesity), higher daily insulin may be required. Approximately 50-75% of total daily insulin requirements are given as intermediate- or long-acting insulin through 1-2 injections. Rapid- or short-acting insulin should be used before or during mealtimes for the remaining balance of daily insulin requirements.
• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: For patients with inadequate control through diet, exercise, or oral medication, the initial dose is 0.2-0.4 units/kg/day SC, divided every 8-12 hours.
• Intramuscular Diabetic Ketoacidosis: Initial loading dose of 20 units of soluble insulin, followed by 6 units/hr until blood glucose drops to 10 mmol/l, then dose given every 2 hours.
• Intravenous Diabetic Ketoacidosis: Soluble insulin is given in a concentration of 1 unit/ml using an infusion pump. The initial infusion rate is 6 units/hr. The rate can be adjusted based on blood glucose concentration.

Child Dose

• Subcutaneous Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Initial dose is 0.2-0.4 unit/kg/day SC, divided every 8 hours or more frequently. The maintenance dose is 0.5-1 unit/kg/day SC, divided every 8 hours or more frequently. Adolescents may require up to 1.5 mg/kg/day during puberty.

Renal Dose

• Dose adjustments may be needed for patients with renal impairment.

Insulin Human is administered 5-10 minutes before meals subcutaneously (SC) in the abdomen or thigh. It can also be given intravenously (IV) with a 0.9% sodium chloride infusion. Subcutaneous injection in the abdomen ensures faster absorption. Insulin Human is usually administered once or twice daily for both rapid and prolonged effects. The initial dose requirement is generally between 0.3 and 1.0 IU/kg per day. Injection should be followed by a meal or snack containing carbohydrates within 30 minutes. If not trained for self-administration, seek assistance from a healthcare professional. Proper hand hygiene, vial preparation, and site selection are crucial for self-injection. After injecting, the needle should be kept under the skin for at least 6 seconds.

Interaction

Drug Interactions: Insulin Human can interact with various drugs, including:

• Antidiabetic or blood sugar-enhancing pills (e.g., glucagon, glipizide, metformin, sitagliptin, canagliflozin)
• Blood pressure-lowering medicines (e.g., metoprolol, hydrochlorothiazide)
• Bleeding disorder drugs (e.g., octreotide)
• Antipsychotic medications (e.g., propoxyphene, phenothiazines)
• Female sex hormones (e.g., progestogen, estrogen)
• Thyroid hormones (e.g., levothyroxine)
• Anti-asthmatic medications (e.g., albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline)
• Antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, lithium)
• Lipid-lowering medications (e.g., reserpine, niacin, clonidine, fenofibrate, guanethidine)
• Painkillers (e.g., aspirin)

If you are taking any of these medications, it's important to discuss with your doctor about potential interactions with Insulin Human.

Food Interactions: Insulin Human may interact with ayurvedic, homeopathy, Unani, herbal supplements, or over-the-counter items. Inform your doctor if you are using any of these products. Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages along with Insulin Human, as alcohol can impact your blood sugar levels.

Disease Interactions: Insulin Human should be avoided in patients with conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, low blood sugar/glucose levels (hypoglycemia), and low potassium levels (hypokalemia). Always consult your doctor before using Insulin Human if you have any of these conditions.

Contraindications

Hypoglycemia: Insulin Human should not be used if you have a history of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), as it can worsen this condition.

Hypersensitivity: Do not use Insulin Human if you are hypersensitive to any of its components or if you have experienced an allergic reaction to it in the past.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Before using this medication, consult your doctor if you are pregnant, suspect you might be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant. It is generally considered safe to use this insulin during pregnancy. However, it's important to note that your insulin dose may require adjustments during pregnancy and after delivery. Maintaining good control of your diabetes is crucial to prevent episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and ensure the health of your baby. Additionally, there are no restrictions on breastfeeding while using this insulin. Always follow your doctor's guidance for the safe and effective use of this medication.

Precautions & Warnings

• Insulin Human is designed for subcutaneous (under the skin) administration exclusively. While some forms of insulin can be administered intravenously (IV) with a saline solution of 0.9%, any change in the brand of insulin or the method of injection should be closely monitored under medical supervision. There have been reports of cases involving heart failure when pioglitazone was used in conjunction with insulin, particularly in patients at high risk of cardiac heart failure.
• Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar level) can manifest with symptoms such as excessive thirst, dry mouth, increased urination frequency, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, flushed dry skin, loss of appetite, and a distinctive acetone odor of breath. It's crucial to closely monitor these symptoms. Additionally, symptoms like heart failure, weight gain, and edema (fluid buildup in tissues) should not be disregarded.
• Alcohol consumption should be avoided, as it can unpredictably influence blood glucose levels. If traveling across multiple time zones, be cautious as your insulin schedule may need adjustment. Insulin Human can lead to a decrease in potassium levels, resulting in hypokalemia. If left untreated, hypokalemia can lead to respiratory paralysis, irregular heartbeat, coma, and even death.
• Do not use Insulin Human if you have a history of low blood glucose levels, kidney, liver, or heart problems, or if you have issues with alcohol or other prescription recreational drugs. Always adhere to your doctor's advice and instructions when using this medication.

Storage Conditions

Store Insulin Human in a temperature range of 2°C to 8°C, within the refrigerator. Avoid freezing the medication, and ensure it remains out of the reach of children. Keep the carton of vials unopened to shield it from light exposure.

Any unused portion of the medication should not be stored and must be properly discarded according to recommended guidelines.