ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/insulin-nph-isophane
US brand names:Humulin N, Novolin N
Also known as: Insulin (NPH/Vetsulin), NPH insulin, Isophane insulin
Insulin, NPH (Isophane) is dosed at 1.4 IU/kg IM q12-24h in cockatiels, per 391. Hawkins MG, Barron H, Speer BL, et al. Birds. In: Carpenter JW, eds. Exotic Animal Formulary, 4th ed., Elsevier Saunders, St. Louis, MO; 2013:183-437.; 445. Johnson-Delaney CA, Harrison LR, eds. Exotic Companion Medicine Handbook for Veterinarians, Wingers Publishing, Lake Worth, FL; 1996. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.462 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 5.7 (Hormones and Steroids Used in Birds). Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Facilitates cellular glucose uptake by binding insulin receptors, activating glucose transporters. Regulates carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism.
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 references:All African Grey Parrot drugsAll Cockatiel drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 3 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | SC | 0.25–0.5 IU/kg | q12h | Strong | Behrend E, Holford A, Lathan P, Rucinsky R, Schulman R. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2018;54(1):1-21. doi:10.5326/jaaha-ms-6822 — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.672, Insulin, NPH monograph spanning p.670-673. |
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