General Drug Information and Indications

Intermediate-acting NPH insulin for diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats. Intermediate-acting NPH insulin (isophane insulin suspension). Mechanism: NPH (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn) — insulin complexed with protamine and zinc → slows subcutaneous absorption. Provides intermediate-acting (12–18 hr) glycemic control. Binds insulin receptors → glucose uptake by muscle/fat; inhibits hepatic glucose production. Key information Isophane insulin (NPH) — intermediate-acting. Refrigerate; discard 28 days after opening. Cloudy suspension — roll gently (do not shake). Subcutaneous injection. Monitor blood glucose.

How to Give this Medication

SQ injection: inject SQ — do not administer IV (NPH formulation). Gently roll vial to mix (milky suspension) — do not shake vigorously. Inject into dorsal neck, scruff, or flank. Administer at consistent times relative to feeding. Store refrigerated (2–8°C); do not freeze. (unopened); at room temperature for up to 30 days (opened). If a dose is missed If a dose is missed, check blood glucose and contact your veterinarian. Do not double dose.

Side Effects

Hypoglycemia (most important): weakness, tremors, seizures, coma — dose-dependent. Lipodystrophy at repeated injection sites. Local reactions at injection site. Hypokalemia (insulin promotes K+ uptake). Weight gain.

Precautions

For animals NPH insulin — intermediate duration. Monitor blood glucose curves. Adjust dose based on response. Avoid concurrent corticosteroids (antagonize insulin). Not approved for use in food-producing animals. For people handling this medication Wear gloves when handling. Insulin — if accidentally self-injected, eat or drink sugar immediately and seek emergency medical attention. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

This is a veterinary emergency. Insulin overdose causes severe hypoglycemia. Rub corn syrup on gums immediately and rush to emergency veterinary care.

Novolin N Inj dosage forms

ProductStrengthFormSizeType
NOVOLIN N INJ 100 UNIT100 UNITInjectable1Commercial

Sources

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)