NPH- Intermediate-Acting Insulin

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NPH- Intermediate-Acting Insulin - LevelUpRN
Cool Chicken Hint:

When you see this Cool Chicken, that indicates one of Cathy's silly mnemonics to help you remember. The Cool Chicken hints in these articles are just a taste of what's available across our Level Up RN Flashcards for nursing students!

NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin. Onset is 1-2 hours, peak is 4-12 hours, and duration is 18-24 hours.

What is the Peak Time of NPH Insulin?

The NPH insulin peak time is about 4-6 hours with a duration of action of about 12 hours. Keep in mind that very small doses will have an earlier peak effect but a shorter duration of action, while larger doses will take a longer time to peak and a prolonged duration.

What are the Side Effects of NPH Insulin?

Common side effects of NPH insulin include low blood sugar, weight gain, swelling in the hands and feet, mild skin rash or itching, or thickening of the skin at the injection site.

Is NPH Insulin Cloudy?

Yes, NPH insulin does have a cloudy appearance.

Cool Chicken Hint:

Neil Patrick Harris (NPH) is a hard-working actor of intermediate height. If you call him, he will be "on set" in 2-4 hours and he will stay there for 12-18 hours.

To learn more, check out our article on insulin medications.

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