Humulin Regular (Insulin Human (Rdna))

Humulin Regular is indicated for the management of hyperglycemia in adults and children with diabetes.

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus (insulin‑dependent)
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus when oral agents are insufficient
• Management of diabetic ketoacidosis as part of a rapid‑acting insulin regimen
• Use in pregnancy or lactation when tight glucose control is required (under medical supervision)
• As a bolus dose before meals to control post‑prandial glucose spikes
• Adjustment of basal‑bolus insulin regimens in patients transitioning from other short‑acting insulins

• Humulin Regular contains recombinant human insulin that binds to the insulin receptor on cell membranes. Receptor activation triggers autophosphorylation and initiates intracellular signaling cascades, notably the phosphoinositide 3‑kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. This promotes translocation of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) to the plasma membrane, increasing glucose uptake in muscle and adipose tissue, while inhibiting hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, thereby lowering blood glucose levels.

Adverse reactions to Humulin Regular are generally related to its pharmacologic activity and injection site response.

Common

• Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose)
• Injection‑site pain, redness or swelling
• Lipodystrophy (localized fat loss or accumulation)
• Allergic skin reactions such as rash or urticaria
• Weight gain due to fluid retention
• Nausea or abdominal discomfort
• Transient visual disturbances
• Headache
• Cold or flu‑like symptoms
• Dizziness
• Pruritus at injection site

Serious

• Severe hypoglycemia with neuroglycopenic symptoms
• Anaphylactic reaction, including angioedema and bronchospasm
• Edema or heart failure exacerbation in susceptible patients
• Hypersensitivity leading to Stevens‑Johnson syndrome
• Unexplained lactic acidosis (rare)
• Severe allergic reaction with serum sickness
• Acute pancreatitis (very rare)
• Thrombotic events associated with high-dose therapy

Humulin Regular should be used with caution and under medical supervision, taking into account individual patient factors and comorbid conditions.

• Verify blood glucose before each dose to avoid hypoglycemia.
• Adjust dose when initiating, changing diet, or altering physical activity.
• Use reduced doses in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.
• Monitor for signs of fluid retention or worsening heart failure.
• Avoid use in patients with known hypersensitivity to human insulin or any excipients.
• Consider pregnancy and lactation status; benefits must outweigh potential risks.
• Store in refrigerator; do not freeze, and protect from light.

Humulin Regular may interact with other medications that affect glucose metabolism or insulin sensitivity.

Avoid

• Concurrent use of other rapid‑acting insulins without dose adjustment.
• High‑dose beta‑blockers that mask hypoglycemia symptoms.
• MAO‑inhibitors combined with sympathomimetic agents (risk of severe hypoglycemia).
• Alcohol consumption in excess, which can cause unpredictable glucose fluctuations.

Use with caution

• Oral antidiabetic agents (e.g., sulfonylureas, meglitinides) that increase hypoglycemia risk.
• Corticosteroids, which may raise blood glucose and require dose changes.
• Thyroid hormones or thyroid replacement therapy, which can alter insulin requirements.
• Beta‑agonists (e.g., albuterol) that may increase glucose levels.
• Loop diuretics that may affect potassium balance and insulin action.