Class: Insulin, Long-Acting
Dosage Forms. Injection Solution: 100 units/mL
Common FDA Label Indication, Dosing, and Titration.
1. Diabetes mellitus, Type I and II: Dosing is individualized to patient needs
Off-Label Uses. None
MOA. Insulin promotes cellular uptake of glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids and their conversion to glycogen, triglycerides, and proteins.
Drug Characteristics: Insulin Glargine
Medication Safety Issues: Insulin Glargine
Drug Interactions: Insulin Glargine
Adverse Reactions: Insulin Glargine
Efficacy Monitoring Parameters. Preprandial blood glucose between 70 and 130 mg/dL, HbA 1c<7%.
Toxicity Monitoring Parameters. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include nausea, sweating, and loss of consciousness.
Key Patient Counseling Points. Monitor blood glucose in frequent intervals (2-4 times per day); if <70 mg/dL, eat candy or sugar and contact prescriber. Store in refrigerator. Dispose needles in sharps container. Do not share needles; this increases the risk of transmission of infectious diseases. Rotate injection sites.
Clinical Pearls. Insulin requirements may change during periods of stress (illness) or with increased activity; monitor and adjust. Following subcutaneous administration, insulin glargine forms a microprecipitate in the fatty tissue from which small amounts of insulin are released slowly, resulting in a relatively constant concentration/time profile over 24 h with no pronounced peak.