Insulin
別名: Vetsulin, Caninsulin, ProZinc, Humulin, Novolin, Lantus, Levemir, Humalog
Managing a diabetic pet requires commitment, but it becomes a routine part of daily life. Here are critical points for success: * **Storage:** Keep insulin in the refrigerator. **Do not freeze it** or leave it in a hot car, as extreme temperatures destroy the protein. Allow the drawn-up syringe to reach room temperature before injecting to reduce discomfort. * **Handling the Vial:** Gently roll the vial between your palms to mix it. **Do not shake vigorously** (unless specifically instructed by your vet for certain brands like Vetsulin), as this can damage the insulin molecules. * **Syringe Safety:** Always use the correct syringe! **U-40 syringes (red cap)** are for U-40 insulin (like Vetsulin or ProZinc). **U-100 syringes (orange cap)** are for U-100 insulin (like Glargine or NPH). Mixing these up can cause a fatal overdose. * **Injection Technique:** Give the injection under the skin (subcutaneously). **Rotate injection sites** daily (e.g., left side of chest, right side of chest, left flank, right flank) to prevent hard lumps from forming under the skin, which block insulin absorption. * **Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar):** This is an emergency. Watch for weakness, stumbling, trembling, staring into space, or seizures. If this happens, immediately rub **Karo syrup (corn syrup)** or honey on your pet's gums and call your veterinarian. Do not put your fingers in a seizing pet's mouth. * **Travel:** When flying, keep insulin in your carry-on. A single pass through the X-ray is fine, but avoid repeated exposures.
劑量必須由獸醫按你寵物的個別情況決定。切勿在沒有獸醫指導下給予人類藥物或其他寵物的處方藥。
用途
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (Regular insulin)
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (Glargine)
- Severe hyperkalemia
- Uncomplicated diabetes mellitus (Glargine, Detemir, or PZI)
- Uncomplicated diabetes mellitus (ProZinc)
- Uncomplicated diabetes mellitus (Vetsulin)
- Uncomplicated diabetes mellitus (Lente)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Adjunctive treatment of ketosis
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hyperlipemia in ponies
- Diabetes mellitus
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (Intermittent IM technique)
給藥方式
可能的副作用
- Hypoglycemia (most common and potentially life-threatening)
- Insulin-induced hyperglycemia ('Somogyi effect' due to counter-regulatory hormone release following hypoglycemia)
- Insulin antagonism or resistance
- Rapid insulin metabolism
- Local hypersensitivity reactions to 'foreign' proteins
- Lipodystrophy at the injection site (if sites are not rotated)
注意事項與禁忌
- Episodes of hypoglycemia (absolute contraindication)
- Systemic allergy to pork or pork products (specifically for Vetsulin/porcine lente)
- Because there are no alternatives for insulin in diabetic indications, there are no absolute contraindications except during hypoglycemia. * **Antibody Formation:** Beef/pork insulin produces antibody formation in ~45% of dogs, leading to erratic control. Pork insulin is identical to canine insulin and is preferred. Cats have a low incidence of antibody production regardless of source. * **Injection Site:** Do not inject at the exact same site day after day to prevent lipodystrophic reactions. * **Prescription Safety:** Do NOT abbreviate Units as 'U', as it significantly increases the rate of transcription and fatal dosage errors (often misread as a zero).
藥物相互作用
- Beta-adrenergic blockers (e.g., propranolol): Can have variable effects on glycemic control and can mask the clinical signs associated with hypoglycemia.
- Clonidine, Reserpine: Can mask the signs associated with hypoglycemia.
- Digoxin: Insulin alters serum potassium levels; concurrent use requires close monitoring for cardiac arrhythmias, especially with concurrent diuretics.
- Alcohol, Anabolic steroids, ACE inhibitors, Aspirin, Disopyramide, Fluoxetine, MAOIs, Somatostatin derivatives, Sulfonamides: May potentiate the hypoglycemic activity of insulin.
- Calcium channel blockers, Corticosteroids, Danazol, Diuretics, Isoniazid, Niacin, Phenothiazines, Thyroid hormones: May decrease the hypoglycemic activity of insulin (cause insulin resistance).
常見問題
Insulin用於寵物有甚麼用途？
Managing a diabetic pet requires commitment, but it becomes a routine part of daily life. Here are critical points for success: * **Storage:** Keep insulin in the refrigerator. **Do not freeze it** or leave it in a hot car, as extreme temperatures destroy the protein. Allow the drawn-up syringe to reach room temperature before injecting to reduce discomfort. * **Handling the Vial:** Gently roll the vial between your palms to mix it. **Do not shake vigorously** (unless specifically instructed by your vet for certain brands like Vetsulin), as this can damage the insulin molecules. * **Syringe Safety:** Always use the correct syringe! **U-40 syringes (red cap)** are for U-40 insulin (like Vetsulin or ProZinc). **U-100 syringes (orange cap)** are for U-100 insulin (like Glargine or NPH). Mixing these up can cause a fatal overdose. * **Injection Technique:** Give the injection under the skin (subcutaneously). **Rotate injection sites** daily (e.g., left side of chest, right side of chest, left flank, right flank) to prevent hard lumps from forming under the skin, which block insulin absorption. * **Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar):** This is an emergency. Watch for weakness, stumbling, trembling, staring into space, or seizures. If this happens, immediately rub **Karo syrup (corn syrup)** or honey on your pet's gums and call your veterinarian. Do not put your fingers in a seizing pet's mouth. * **Travel:** When flying, keep insulin in your carry-on. A single pass through the X-ray is fine, but avoid repeated exposures.
Insulin對我的寵物安全嗎？
劑量必須由獸醫按你寵物的個別情況決定。切勿在沒有獸醫指導下給予人類藥物或其他寵物的處方藥。
本文僅供一般健康教育，不能取代專業獸醫意見。如寵物身體不適，請諮詢獸醫。