Pharmacokinetics and Clinical Implications of Actrapid

Introduction to Actrapid

• The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that Actrapid (regular insulin) has an onset of action at 15 minutes, peaks at 3-4 hours, and has a total duration of action of 6-8 hours in the body 1, 2, 3, 4

Pharmacokinetic Profile

• The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that the onset of action of Actrapid is 15 minutes after subcutaneous injection, with a peak effect at 3-4 hours after administration, and a duration of action of 6-8 hours total 1, 2, 3, 4

Clinical Implications

• The American Academy of Family Physicians states that rapid-acting insulin analogues have a faster onset of 5 minutes, peak at 1-2 hours, and have a duration of 3-4 hours 1, 2, 3, 4
• The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that the extended duration of action of Actrapid creates a higher risk of late postprandial hypoglycemia, particularly if meals are delayed or physical activity increases during this period 1, 2, 3