ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/insulin-protamine-zinc-pzi
US brand names:ProZinc(U-40 (40 IU/mL); FDA-approved for dogs and cats, NADA 141-297)
Also known as: Protamine zinc recombinant human insulin, rPZI, rhPZI, PZIR, PZI
Insulin, Protamine Zinc (PZI) is dosed at 0.5–1 IU/kg SC q24h in dogs, per PROZINC (protamine zinc recombinant human insulin) 40 IU/mL, Package Insert for Dogs, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, rev. 08/2019, NADA 141-297, DailyMed setid 8dbc0e47-8df9-4484-903b-70fdd26f7998: "The recommended starting dose for PROZINC is 0.2-0.5 IU insulin/pound of body weight (0.5-1.0 IU/kg) once daily." — Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th ed, Insulin, Protamine Zinc monograph, printed p.675, DOGS: "(label dosage; FDA-approved): 0.5 – 1 unit/kg SC once daily, concurrent with or right after a meal". Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Recombinant human insulin in a protamine zinc suspension, giving slow absorption and a long duration of action. Lowers blood glucose by increasing glucose uptake in peripheral tissues, especially skeletal muscle and fat.
U-40 insulin: measure ONLY with U-40 syringes; any other syringe gives the wrong dose. Do not confuse PROTAMINE zinc insulin (PZI) with PORCINE zinc (lente) insulin. Contraindicated during hypoglycemia and in animals hypersensitive to human insulin. Not for patients presenting with ketoacidosis, anorexia, lethargy or vomiting: stabilise first with short-acting insulin. Dose obese patients on ideal body weight. Adverse effects: hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, Somogyi rebound, injection-site reactions.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) 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 2 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 | 0.5–1 IU/kg | q24h | Strong | PROZINC (protamine zinc recombinant human insulin) 40 IU/mL, Package Insert for Dogs, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, rev. 08/2019, NADA 141-297, DailyMed setid 8dbc0e47-8df9-4484-903b-70fdd26f7998: "The recommended starting dose for PROZINC is 0.2-0.5 IU insulin/pound of body weight (0.5-1.0 IU/kg) once daily." — Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th ed, Insulin, Protamine Zinc monograph, printed p.675, DOGS: "(label dosage; FDA-approved): 0.5 – 1 unit/kg SC once daily, concurrent with or right after a meal". |
| Cat (Domestic) | SC | 0.2–0.7 IU/kg | q12h | Strong | PROZINC (protamine zinc recombinant human insulin) 40 IU/mL, Package Insert for Cats, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, rev. 08/2019, NADA 141-297, DailyMed setid 8dbc0e47-8df9-4484-903b-70fdd26f7998: "The initial recommended PROZINC dose is 0.1 - 0.3 IU insulin/pound of body weight (0.2 - 0.7 IU/kg) every 12 hours." — Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th ed, Insulin, Protamine Zinc monograph, printed p.676, CATS: "(label dosage; FDA-approved): 0.2 – 0.7 units/kg SC every 12 hours, given concurrently with or right after a meal". |
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