Insulins
High-alert, always
Type 1 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes when other medications no longer keep blood sugar controlled.
Replaces the hormone that moves glucose out of the blood and into cells.
The 6 insulins in the PTCB Top 200
| Generic | Brand | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Insulin Glargine | Lantus | diabetes (long-acting basal) |
| Insulin Lispro | Humalog | diabetes (rapid mealtime) |
| Insulin Aspart | Novolog | diabetes (rapid mealtime) |
| Insulin Degludec | Tresiba | diabetes (ultra-long basal) |
| Insulin Detemir | Levemir | diabetes (long basal) |
| Insulin Human / Insulin Isophane Human | Humulin 70/30 / Novolin 70/30 | diabetes (premixed) |
Tap any generic name for its full drug guide — brand↔generic, side effects, interactions and the exam tip.
What to know for the exam
- check_circleRapid-acting insulins — lispro, aspart — are given with meals.
- check_circleLong-acting insulins — glargine, detemir, degludec — provide steady background coverage.
- check_circleUnopened insulin is refrigerated; in-use pens and vials are kept at room temperature for a limited number of days.
- check_circleInsulin is never frozen, and a frozen product is discarded.
Insulin is a high-alert medication. Look-alike names and U-100 versus U-500 concentrations are a recognised source of serious errors.
Onset and duration by insulin type is a standard exam item, as is the storage rule.
Drill insulins the way the PTCE asks them
RxReflex groups the Top 200 drugs into classes like this one, then quizzes you on brand↔generic, class, side effects and interactions. Plus a guided Learn path, pharmacy math and 40+ cheat sheets. Free to start.
Frequently asked
What drugs are in the insulins class? add
Insulin Glargine, Insulin Lispro, Insulin Aspart, Insulin Degludec, Insulin Detemir, Insulin Human / Insulin Isophane Human. All are in the PTCB Top 200.
What are insulins used for? add
Type 1 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes when other medications no longer keep blood sugar controlled.
How do insulins work? add
Replaces the hormone that moves glucose out of the blood and into cells.
Last reviewed August 7, 2026. For education only — not medical advice. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the PTCB.