Intermediate-acting insulin
Isophane (NPH) insulin
Brand names: Insulatard, Humulin I, Insuman Basal
Adult dose
Dose: Individualised — usually OD or BD; basal component of mixed regimens
Route: SC
Frequency: OD-BD
Clinical pearls
- Onset 1–2h, peak 4–8h, duration 12–18h
- Cloudy — must be resuspended before injection
Contraindications
- Hypoglycaemia
Side effects
- Hypoglycaemia
- Lipohypertrophy
- Weight gain
Interactions
- β-blockers
- Steroids
- Alcohol
Monitoring
- CBG
- HbA1c
Reference: BNF; NICE NG17/NG28; https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/isophane-insulin/. Verify against your local formulary and the latest BNF before prescribing.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Calculators
Pathways
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) · JBDS 2013 / Joint British Diabetes Societies; NICE NG17
- Adult Hypoglycaemia (Treated Diabetes) · JBDS-IP (2023): Hospital Management of Hypoglycaemia
- Adrenal Crisis · Society for Endocrinology Emergency Guidance (2024)
- Type 2 Diabetes Management · NICE NG28 2022
- Hyperthyroidism Management · BTA / ETA 2018
- Adrenal Insufficiency · Society of Endocrinology / ESE 2016