Is Insulin a controlled substance?

Insulin is not federally scheduled in the US. Controlled-drug status differs by country — verify your local rules.

Insulin

Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Insulin is dosed at 1–3 IU/kg SC q12-24h in guinea pigs, per Ewringmann A, Gloeckner B. Leitsymptome bei Meerschweinchen, Chinchilla und Degu, Enke, Stuttgart, Germany; 2012. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.800 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 9.7 (Miscellaneous Agents Used in Rodents). Verify against current literature before clinical use.

Drug Class

Endocrine

Routes

Indications

diabetes mellitusHyperglycaemiahyperglycaemia (pancreatic disease)hyperglycaemia/diabetes mellitusHyperglycemiaInsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)

Side effects & warnings

Hypoglycemia is the most dangerous adverse effect. Dose individually based on blood glucose curves. Vetsulin (porcine lente) for dogs, ProZinc (PZI) often preferred in cats. U-40 vs U-100 syringes — use correct syringe.

Species with Insulin dosing data (15 dose rules)

Ball Python Bearded Dragon Blue-tongue Skink Chinchilla Corn Snake Crested Gecko Degu Eastern Box Turtle Guinea Pig Leopard Gecko Pet Rat Red-eared Slider Russian Tortoise Sulcata Tortoise Syrian Hamster

Evidence levels across 15 dose rules

Weak×12Moderate×3

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

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Backed by 5 published sourcesShow

· 315. Stahl SJ. Diseases of the reptile pancreas. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2003;6:191-212 doi:10.1016/s1094-9194(02)00054-3. — Source: Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd Ed, p.1415
· 443. Stahl SJ. Diseases of the reptile pancreas. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2003;6:191-212 doi:10.1016/s1094-9194(02)00054-3. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.260 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.8 (Hormones and Steroids Used in Reptiles).
· Ewringmann A, Gloeckner B. Leitsymptome bei Meerschweinchen, Chinchilla und Degu, Enke, Stuttgart, Germany; 2012. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.800 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 9.7 (Miscellaneous Agents Used in Rodents).
· Meredith A. BSAVA Small Animal Formulary: Part B: Exotic Pets, British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Quedgeley, Gloucester, UK; 2015. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.800 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 9.7 (Miscellaneous Agents Used in Rodents).

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