Exogenous insulin that binds to insulin receptors, facilitating glucose uptake into cells, glycogen synthesis, and protein synthesis while inhibiting gluconeogenesis and lipolysis
At a glance
Class
Intermediate-acting insulin (isophane suspension)
Storage
MUST be refrigerated (2-8°C). Do NOT freeze. Gently roll before use — do NOT shake. Discard if discoloured or clumped. In-use vials: refrigerate, use within 28 days.
Dosing
Diabetes mellitus
Max dose
40 IU/dose; 80 IU/day
Duration: Lifelong; titrate based on blood glucose curves every 1-2 weeks
Diabetes mellitus
Max dose
10 IU/dose; 20 IU/day
Duration: Lifelong (unless diabetic remission); start conservative and titrate
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) — transition from regular insulin
Max dose
6 IU/dose; 12 IU/day
Duration: Start when eating and stable; transition from CRI regular insulin
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Safety
Absolute contraindications — do not use
Concurrent corticosteroids
Corticosteroids cause insulin resistance — significantly higher insulin doses required
Concurrent progesterone (intact females)
Diestrus/progesterone causes insulin resistance — spay recommended for diabetic females
Inconsistent feeding
Insulin must be given with meals to prevent hypoglycaemia
Adverse effects
Common
Hypoglycaemia (most common and dangerous)
Weight gain
Injection site reactions
Serious
Severe hypoglycaemia (seizures, coma, death)
Somogyi rebound hyperglycaemia
Insulin-induced hypokalaemia
Blood glucose curves (every 1-2 weeks until stable, then monthly)Fructosamine every 2-4 weeksBody weightWater intake / urine outputClinical signs (PU/PD/PP)Spot blood glucose before insulin dose
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Insulin (NPH / Isophane)?
Insulin (NPH / Isophane) is a intermediate-acting insulin (isophane suspension) used in pets. Exogenous insulin that binds to insulin receptors, facilitating glucose uptake into cells, glycogen synthesis, and protein synthesis while inhibiting gluconeogenesis and lipolysis
›What is Insulin (NPH / Isophane) used for in pets?
Insulin (NPH / Isophane) is used in veterinary medicine for: Diabetes mellitus; Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) — transition from regular insulin.
›What is the Insulin (NPH / Isophane) dose for dogs?
For dogs, Insulin (NPH / Isophane) is typically dosed as follows — Diabetes mellitus: 0.25–1 IU/kg SC BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Insulin (NPH / Isophane) dose for cats?
For cats, Insulin (NPH / Isophane) is typically dosed as follows — Diabetes mellitus: 0.25–1 IU/kg SC BID; Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) — transition from regular insulin: 0.25–0.5 IU/kg SC BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Insulin (NPH / Isophane)?
Common: Hypoglycaemia (most common and dangerous), Weight gain, Injection site reactions. Serious (call your vet immediately): Severe hypoglycaemia (seizures, coma, death), Somogyi rebound hyperglycaemia, Insulin-induced hypokalaemia.
›Does Insulin (NPH / Isophane) need a prescription?
Yes. Insulin (NPH / Isophane) is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Insulin (NPH / Isophane) not be used?
Do not use Insulin (NPH / Isophane) if: Hypoglycaemia.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database