ACTRAPID HM 100 Units/ml Injection

What is ACTRAPID HM 100 Units/ml

ACTRAPID HM 100 Units/ml is a human soluble insulin preparation intended for subcutaneous, intravenous, or intramuscular injection. It is a fast-acting insulin used to manage blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes mellitus. The product comes as a 10ml vial containing 100 units of insulin per milliliter. Being a biosynthetic human insulin, it closely mimics endogenous insulin, helping regulate carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism.

This medication is primarily indicated for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus who require insulin replacement and for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus when oral hypoglycemic agents are inadequate or inappropriate. ACTRAPID HM can be used alone or in combination with longer-acting insulin preparations for optimal glycemic control. Its rapid onset of action makes it suitable for controlling blood glucose spikes after meals or managing acute hyperglycemic episodes.

• Pharmaceutical form: Injectable solution in a 10ml vial.
• Generic: Human soluble insulin, 100 units/ml concentration.
• Indications: Treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
• Rapid-acting insulin, mimics natural insulin effects.
• Used to control postprandial blood glucose and acute hyperglycemia.

How to use ACTRAPID HM 100 Units/ml

Administration of ACTRAPID HM requires careful attention to dosing, timing, and injection technique to achieve optimal glycemic control and minimize side effects.

• Route: Usually administered subcutaneously into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Intravenous use is reserved for emergency situations under professional supervision.
• Timing: Inject 30 minutes before meals to ensure insulin action coincides with postprandial glucose rise.
• Dosage measurement: Use calibrated insulin syringes or insulin pens designed for U-100 insulin concentration.
• Injection technique: Rotate injection sites regularly to prevent lipodystrophy or localized tissue changes.
• Mixing: ACTRAPID HM should not be mixed with other insulins in the same syringe except as directed by a healthcare provider.
• Monitoring: Regular self-monitoring of blood glucose is essential to adjust the dose appropriately and avoid hypo- or hyperglycemia.
• Storage before use: Keep vial refrigerated; allow it to reach room temperature before injection.

Mode of Action ACTRAPID HM 100 Units/ml

ACTRAPID HM contains soluble human insulin which acts as a key regulator of glucose homeostasis by mimicking endogenous insulin's physiological effects.

• Receptor binding: Insulin binds to insulin receptors on the cell surface, triggering intracellular signaling cascades.
• Glucose uptake: Promotes translocation of glucose transporter proteins (GLUT4) to the cell membrane, facilitating glucose entry primarily into muscle and adipose tissue.
• Inhibits hepatic glucose production: Suppresses gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis in the liver, reducing endogenous glucose output.
• Stimulates glycogen synthesis: Encourages storage of glucose as glycogen in liver and muscles.
• Lipid and protein metabolism: Enhances fat synthesis and inhibits lipolysis; promotes protein synthesis while reducing proteolysis.
• Onset and duration: Rapid onset (within 30 minutes), peak effect in 1-3 hours, duration 6-8 hours, enabling control of post-meal glucose spikes.

ACTRAPID HM 100 Units/ml Interactions ACTRAPID HM 100 Units/ml

Several drugs may influence the efficacy and safety of ACTRAPID HM by altering glucose metabolism or insulin sensitivity. Awareness of potential interactions is essential to avoid hypo- or hyperglycemia.

• Oral hypoglycemic agents: May have additive glucose-lowering effects when combined.
• Beta-blockers: Can mask symptoms of hypoglycemia and may reduce insulin efficacy.
• Corticosteroids and thyroid hormones: May increase blood glucose, requiring higher insulin doses.
• Diuretics (thiazides, loop diuretics): May cause hyperglycemia and impair glucose tolerance.
• Alcohol: Can potentiate hypoglycemic effects or cause delayed hypoglycemia.
• ACE inhibitors: May enhance insulin sensitivity, lowering insulin requirements.
• Sympathomimetics and calcium channel blockers: May either increase or decrease blood glucose levels.
• Salicylates and anabolic steroids: May potentiate hypoglycemic effect.

Careful blood glucose monitoring and dose adjustments are necessary when starting, stopping, or changing the dose of interacting medications.

Dosage of ACTRAPID HM 100 Units/ml

Dosage of ACTRAPID HM must be individualized according to the patient's metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results, and lifestyle factors.

• Initial dosing: In type 1 diabetes, total daily insulin dose is often 0.5 to 1 unit/kg body weight, split between rapid-acting and longer-acting insulins.
• Pre-meal dosing: ACTRAPID HM is usually injected 30 minutes before meals. Typical dose ranges from 4 to 20 units or as prescribed.
• Adjustments: Dose adjustments are guided by self-monitoring blood glucose levels, diet, exercise, illness, or stress.
• Special populations: Elderly, renal or hepatic impairment patients require cautious titration.
• Emergency use: For diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar states, intravenous administration under medical supervision is recommended.

It is critical to follow healthcare provider instructions and not alter doses without professional advice.

Possible side effects of ACTRAPID HM 100 Units/ml

Like all insulin preparations, ACTRAPID HM may cause adverse effects. Awareness and early recognition help minimize complications.

• Hypoglycemia: Most common side effect presenting with sweating, shakiness, dizziness, hunger, irritability, confusion, and in severe cases, unconsciousness or seizures.
• Injection site reactions: Pain, redness, swelling, or lipodystrophy (localized fat loss or accumulation).
• Allergic reactions: Rare but can include rash, itching, anaphylaxis.
• Weight gain: Can occur due to insulin’s anabolic effects.
• Hypokalemia: Insulin promotes intracellular potassium uptake, potentially lowering serum potassium.
• Edema: Occasionally reported in some patients.

Patients should be educated on symptoms of hypoglycemia and instructed on appropriate corrective measures.

ACTRAPID HM 100 Units/ml Contraindications ACTRAPID HM 100 Units/ml

ACTRAPID HM should not be used in the following situations:

• Hypoglycemia: Do not administer insulin during hypoglycemic episodes.
• Hypersensitivity: Known allergy to insulin or any excipients.
• Diabetic ketoacidosis: Unless accompanied by proper fluid and electrolyte replacement therapy and close monitoring.
• Severe hypokalemia: Insulin can exacerbate low potassium levels.

Caution is warranted in pregnancy and breastfeeding; use only when clearly needed under medical supervision.

Storage of ACTRAPID HM 100 Units/ml

Proper storage of ACTRAPID HM ensures its potency and safety:

• Temperature: Store unopened vials refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze.
• In-use storage: Once opened, vials may be kept at room temperature (below 25°C) for up to 28 days.
• Light protection: Keep vials protected from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
• Inspection: Do not use if solution is cloudy, discolored, or contains particulate matter.
• Disposal: Dispose of needles, syringes, and unused medication according to local biohazard regulations.

Following these guidelines maintains insulin efficacy and patient safety.