Insulin Lispro
Insulin Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin analog that begins working within 15 minutes of injection, making it ideal for improving blood sugar control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus.
Insulin Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin used to control blood sugar in people with diabetes.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A10AB04
- RxNorm
- 86009
- Generic
- Insulin Lispro
- Class
- atc-a10
- Brands
- Humalog, Admelog, Lyumjev, Humalog Mix
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- solution, suspension
- 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
- individualized based on blood glucose monitoring and carbohydrate intake
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- administered within 15 minutes before or after meals
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- individualized based on blood glucose monitoring, carbohydrate intake, and body weight
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- administered within 15 minutes before or after meals
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- individualized with careful monitoring to avoid hypoglycemia; typically lower doses initially
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- administered within 15 minutes 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
insulin is preferred treatment for diabetes in pregnancy; continue use if already established or initiate if benefits outweigh risks
frequent blood glucose monitoring, HbA1c every trimester, fetal growth monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimestertypically requires increased insulin doses due to insulin resistance
continue insulin lispro with close monitoring; insulin requirements typically increase
regular blood glucose monitoring, fetal growth assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimestermay require further dose increases; adjust based on monitoring
maintain tight glycemic control to reduce risk of preterm delivery and preeclampsia
frequent monitoring, non-stress tests, biophysical profiles as indicated
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
postpartummay require dose reduction postpartum
insulin lispro is compatible with breastfeeding; monitor maternal glucose levels
monitor maternal blood glucose and infant feeding patterns
pediatric_age
children 3 18 yearsindividualize dosing based on weight, diet, and activity; start low and titrate
approved for use in pediatric patients age 3 years and older with diabetes
frequent blood glucose monitoring, regular HbA1c checks, growth monitoring in younger children
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderstart with lower doses, use conservative titration due to increased hypoglycemia risk
use with caution due to increased risk of hypoglycemia unawareness and renal impairment
frequent blood glucose monitoring, renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderate renal impairmentdose reduction may be necessary; monitor closely for hypoglycemia
insulin clearance may be reduced; adjust dose based on blood glucose monitoring
frequent blood glucose monitoring, periodic renal function assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderate hepatic impairmentmay require dose adjustment due to altered glucose metabolism and insulin clearance
use with caution; hepatic dysfunction may affect gluconeogenesis and insulin requirements
frequent blood glucose monitoring, liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval date for Insulin Lispro
Drug class
Pharmacological classification of Insulin Lispro
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism
Onset of action
Time to beginning of insulin action after subcutaneous administration
Treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults and children to improve glycemic control. Typically administered at mealtimes to manage postprandial blood glucose levels.
Insulin Lispro binds to insulin receptors on cells, stimulating glucose uptake into skeletal muscle and adipose tissue while suppressing hepatic glucose production. This dual action lowers blood glucose levels and mimics the body's natural rapid insulin response to meals.
Must be administered via subcutaneous injection shortly before or after meals. Requires regular blood glucose monitoring. Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse effect. Should not be used during episodes of hypoglycemia or in patients with hypersensitivity to insulin lispro or any excipients.
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 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy