A 24-year-old man presents with diabetic ketoacidosis, pH 7.08, glucose 540 mg/dL, ketonuria. Intravenous fluid resuscitation has begun. Which insulin preparation is appropriate for intravenous administration in his management?

• A Insulin glargine
• B Regular insulin ✓
• C Insulin detemir
• D NPH insulin

Explanation

Only regular insulin may be given intravenously because it is a clear solution of unmodified human insulin that acts directly in the circulation with a half-life of about 6 minutes on infusion. Glargine, detemir and NPH are all modified or suspended preparations designed for subcutaneous depot absorption; they cannot be given IV and have no role in DKA management.

Reference: Katzung Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 16th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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