Product Description

Actrapid (Human Regular Insulin): Actrapid is a rapid-acting human insulin indicated for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with diet or oral antidiabetic drugs, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS), stress-related hyperglycemia (e.g., severe infection or major surgery), and gestational diabetes. It lowers blood glucose by facilitating glucose uptake into muscle and fat cells and suppressing hepatic glucose production. After subcutaneous injection, its onset of action is within 30 minutes, peak effect occurs in 1–3 hours, and the duration of action is approximately 4–6 hours. The dose is individualized according to the patient's needs; the usual daily requirement is 0.5–1 IU/kg/day for type 1 diabetes and 0.3–0.6 IU/kg/day for type 2 diabetes. It is usually administered subcutaneously in the abdomen (preferred), thigh, deltoid, or gluteal region, and a carbohydrate-containing meal should be taken within 30 minutes after injection. Injection sites should be rotated to prevent lipodystrophy. Actrapid may interact with oral hypoglycemic agents, MAO inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, salicylates, alcohol (which may increase insulin effects), and thiazides, glucocorticoids, thyroid hormones, β-sympathomimetics, growth hormone, and danazol (which may increase insulin requirements); beta-blockers may mask symptoms of hypoglycemia. It is contraindicated in patients with hypoglycemia or hypersensitivity to human insulin or its components. The most common adverse effect is hypoglycemia, while other side effects include lipodystrophy at injection sites, edema, and hypersensitivity reactions such as rash, itching, angioedema, breathing difficulty, and hypotension. Actrapid is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, although insulin requirements may change during pregnancy and after delivery. It should be used with caution when changing insulin type or dose, in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, and during illness, dietary changes, increased physical activity, or travel across time zones, as dose adjustment may be required. In overdose, hypoglycemia may occur; mild cases are treated with oral glucose, while severe cases require glucagon injection or intravenous glucose. Actrapid should be stored at 2–8°C, must not be frozen, protected from light and excessive heat, and once opened, the vial may be kept below 25°C for up to 6 weeks or below 30°C for up to 4 weeks.