Insulin Glulisine, Human
Insulin Glulisine is a rapid-acting insulin analog used to manage postprandial blood glucose levels in adults and children with diabetes mellitus, typically administered at mealtimes.
A rapid-acting insulin analog used to control blood sugar in diabetic patients, typically taken at mealtimes.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A10AB06
- RxNorm
- 400008
- Generic
- Insulin Glulisine, Human
- Class
- atc-a10
- Brands
- Apidra
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
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
- 0.2-0.5 units/kg per meal
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- at mealtime (before or after meals)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.2-0.5 units/kg per meal
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- at mealtime (before or after meals)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.2-0.3 units/kg per meal
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- at mealtime (before or after meals)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesterindividualize dose based on blood glucose monitoring
use when benefits outweigh risks; maintain tight glycemic control
frequent blood glucose monitoring; regular fetal assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesterincreased insulin requirements typically needed
continue therapy; insulin requirements increase during pregnancy
regular blood glucose monitoring; fetal growth assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteroften requires increased doses; may need titration near delivery
maintain tight glycemic control; adjust insulin near term
intensive glucose monitoring; fetal wellbeing assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 3 years and olderweight-based dosing starting at 0.2-0.5 units/kg
approved for use in pediatric patients age 3 years and older
frequent blood glucose monitoring; adjust doses based on meals and activity
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderstart with lower doses; titrate slowly
use with caution due to increased hypoglycemia risk; consider cognitive status and renal function
frequent glucose monitoring; monitor for hypoglycemia unawareness
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderate renal impairmentdose reduction may be necessary; monitor closely
use with caution; insulin clearance may be reduced
frequent glucose monitoring; adjust dose based on renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
hepatic impairmentmay require dose adjustment; monitor closely
use with caution; liver metabolism may be altered
frequent blood glucose monitoring; watch for hypoglycemia
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno specific adjustment needed; monitor maternal glucose
compatible with breastfeeding; insulin does not pass into breast milk significantly
monitor maternal blood glucose to maintain adequate milk production
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval timeline for Insulin Glulisine (Apidra)
Drug class
ATC classification for Insulin Glulisine
Onset of action
Pharmacokinetic properties
Common uses
Therapeutic indications for Insulin Glulisine
Treatment of diabetes mellitus in adults and children, primarily for controlling postprandial (after-meal) blood glucose levels. Used in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes when insulin therapy is needed.
Insulin Glulisine is a recombinant DNA-produced insulin analog with a rapid onset of action (approximately 15 minutes after subcutaneous injection). It binds to insulin receptors on cells throughout the body, promoting cellular glucose uptake and suppressing hepatic glucose production, thereby lowering elevated blood glucose levels.
Administered subcutaneously within 15 minutes before or immediately after a meal. Requires regular blood glucose monitoring to avoid hypoglycemia. Dosage must be individualized based on metabolic needs and response. May cause hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, and local injection site reactions. Patients should rotate injection sites and be educated on hypoglycemia recognition, treatment, and proper storage requirements.
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 August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy