Skip to content
ClinCalc Pro
Menu
Calculators Drugs Pathways AI Dx Donate Get the App
Rapid-acting Insulin Analogue

Insulin Lispro

Brand names: Humalog, Admelog

Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting recombinant insulin analogue used at mealtimes to control postprandial glucose in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and in insulin pumps.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It binds the insulin receptor to stimulate glucose uptake and suppress hepatic glucose output; reversal of two amino acids reduces hexamer formation, allowing faster subcutaneous absorption than soluble human insulin.

Prescribing in practice

  • Because of its rapid onset, hypoglycaemia can develop quickly if a meal is delayed or omitted, so dosing is timed close to eating.
  • Used as the bolus insulin in basal-bolus regimens and in continuous subcutaneous infusion pumps; rotate injection sites.
  • Be aware of different concentrations of lispro products and ensure the correct strength is prescribed and dispensed.

Monitoring

Monitor capillary blood glucose around meals and HbA1c, adjusting the mealtime dose to carbohydrate intake and response.

Counselling the patient

  • Inject just before your meal and skip the dose if you will not be eating.
  • Always carry fast-acting sugar to treat low blood glucose.
  • Rotate injection sites and do not share insulin devices.

Evidence & guidelines

Rapid-acting analogue insulins are well established for mealtime cover and pump therapy in UK diabetes care.

Reference: NICE NG17 (Type 1 DM); NICE NG28 (Type 2 DM); MHRA Insulin Safety Alert; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators
Drugs
Pathways