Insulin Glargine: A Guide to Long-Acting Insulin
Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin that helps control blood sugar over many hours. It is used to treat diabetes in adults and children and may be used alone or with other diabetes medicines. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose and treatment plan for you.
Insulin glargine is usually injected once daily to provide steady background insulin coverage. Use it exactly as prescribed, monitor your blood sugar, and contact your doctor or pharmacist before changing your dose or treatment.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A10AE04
- Generic
- Insulin Glargine
- Class
- insulin
- Brands
- Lantus, Toujeo, Basaglar
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- B
- Lactation
- safe
- Onset (min)
- 60
- Duration (h)
- 24
- Routes
- sc
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- blood-glucose, potassium
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 10 units once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.2-0.3 units/kg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.1-0.2 units/kg once daily (typically 5-10 units)
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
all trimestersindividualize dose based on blood glucose levels
insulin glargine can be used during pregnancy for glycemic control when benefits outweigh potential risks
regular blood glucose monitoring and fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 6 years and olderindividualize based on blood glucose response
approved for use in pediatric patients age 6 years and older for type 1 diabetes
regular blood glucose monitoring required
pediatric_age
children under 6 yearsuse with extreme caution, lower initial doses
not recommended for children under 6 years due to limited safety and efficacy data
frequent blood glucose monitoring required
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderstart with lower doses and titrate slowly
use with caution due to increased risk of hypoglycemia, monitor renal function
frequent blood glucose monitoring, monitor for hypoglycemia symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderatemay require dose reduction, monitor closely
use with caution, insulin clearance may be reduced
frequent blood glucose monitoring required
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severesignificant dose reduction may be needed
use with extreme caution, insulin clearance significantly reduced in severe renal impairment
very frequent blood glucose monitoring required
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatemay require dose adjustment
use with caution, hepatic impairment may affect glucose metabolism and insulin requirements
regular blood glucose monitoring required
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno specific adjustment needed
insulin glargine is compatible with breastfeeding, does not pass significantly into breast milk
monitor maternal blood glucose levels
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval for Insulin Glargine (Lantus)
Drug class
ATC classification: A10AE04 (Insulins and analogues)
Common uses
Basal insulin therapy for glycemic control
Duration of action
Long-acting basal insulin profile
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy