If you have diabetes, your doctor might suggest Humulin N as a treatment option for you. Humulin N is used to help manage blood sugar in adults and children with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
The active ingredient in Humulin N is NPH insulin. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
Humulin N comes as a suspension (a type of liquid mixture) that you inject under your skin. It’s available in multi-dose vials and injection pens. You can get Humulin N over the counter without a prescription. But you may also get Humulin N with a prescription from your doctor.
This article describes the dosages of Humulin N, as well as its strength and how to take the drug. To learn more about Humulin N, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: This article covers Humulin N’s usual dosages, which are provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But when using Humulin N, always take the dosage that your doctor prescribes.
This section describes common dosage and administration information for Humulin N. Before you start using this medication, your doctor will give you more dosage information that’s specific to your condition.
What are the forms of Humulin N?
Humulin N comes as a suspension (a type of liquid mixture) that you inject under your skin. The suspension is available in two forms:
- multiple-dose vial
- Humulin N KwikPen injection pen
What strength does Humulin N come in?
Humulin N comes in one strength: 100 units of insulin per 1 milliliter (mL) of liquid (U-100).
What are the usual dosages of Humulin N?
Your dosage range for Humulin N is based on your individual needs. Usually, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust your dosage over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that best manages your blood sugar.
Your doctor will likely discuss your target blood sugar levels. When you first start treatment, they’ll need to monitor your blood sugar levels more closely than usual. They’ll adjust your Humulin N dosage until your blood sugar level is within your target range.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage range to fit your needs.
Dosage for type 1 diabetes
If you have type 1 diabetes, your doctor will calculate your dosage based on your body weight in kilograms (kg). One kg is equal to about 2.2 pounds (lbs.).
The typical dosage range is 0.4 to 1 unit of insulin per kg of body weight per day. About half of your total daily insulin should be from a basal insulin, such as Humulin N.
Your doctor may use this formula to calculate how much total insulin you’ll need each day. Total insulin includes any type of insulin you take, such as insulin you use before you eat. Your Humulin N dosage may make up about half of your total daily insulin.
Your doctor may have you inject Humulin N once per day or divide your dose into two daily injections.
The chart below shows examples of general Humulin N dosage ranges for type 1 diabetes based on weight:
| Weight | Total daily insulin range | Humulin N daily dosage range |
| 40 kg (about 88 lbs.) | 16 to 40 units per day | 8 to 20 units per day |
| 55 kg (about 121 lbs.) | 22 to 55 units per day | 11 to 28 units per day |
| 82 kg (about 180 lbs.) | 33 to 82 units per day | 17 to 41 units per day |
| 109 kg (about 240 lbs.) | 44 to 109 units per day | 22 to 55 units per day |
| 164 kg (about 360 lbs.) | 66 to 164 units per day | 33 to 82 units per day |
Dosage for type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes, your Humulin N dosage is based on your weight in kilograms (kg). One kg is equal to about 2.2 pounds (lbs.).
The typical starting dosage for basal insulin such as Humulin N is 0.1 to 0.2 units of insulin per kg of body weight per day. When you first start using Humulin N, your doctor may adjust your dosage every 2 to 3 days until your blood sugar levels are in your target range.
The chart below shows examples of general Humulin N starting dosage ranges for type 2 diabetes based on weight:
| Weight | Humulin N starting dosage range |
| 40 kg (about 88 lbs.) | 4 to 8 units per day |
| 55 kg (about 121 lbs.) | 6 to 11 units per day |
| 82 kg (about 180 lbs.) | 8 to 16 units per day |
| 109 kg (about 240 lbs.) | 11 to 22 units per day |
| 164 kg (about 360 lbs.) | 16 to 33 units per day |
What’s the dosage of Humulin N for children?
The Humulin N dosage for children varies depending on several factors, including weight, diet, age, and level of physical activity. Your child’s doctor will calculate the dosage of Humulin N based on your child’s body weight in kilograms,* as well as other factors.
* One kilogram (kg) is equal to about 2.2 pounds (lbs.).
Children’s dosage for type 1 diabetes
The recommended daily insulin dosage for children with type 1 diabetes is 0.7 to 1 unit of insulin per kg per day. The Humulin N dosage can make up about 30% to 45% of your child’s total daily insulin.
The chart below shows examples of general Humulin N dosage ranges for children with type 1 diabetes based on weight:
| Weight | Total daily insulin range | Humulin N daily dosage range |
| 25 kg (about 55 lbs.) | 18 to 25 units per day | 8 to 11 units per day |
| 40 kg (about 88 lbs.) | 28 to 40 units per day | 13 to 18 units per day |
| 55 kg (about 121 lbs.) | 39 to 55 units per day | 18 to 25 units per day |
| 82 kg (about 180 lbs.) | 57 to 82 units per day | 26 to 37 units per day |
Children’s dosage for type 2 diabetes
The recommended Humulin N starting dose for children with type 2 diabetes ranges from 0.25 to 0.5 units of insulin per kg per day. At the start of treatment, your child’s doctor may adjust their dose 2 or 3 times per week until their blood sugar level is in the target range.
The chart below shows examples of general Humulin N starting dosage ranges for children with type 2 diabetes:
| Weight | Humulin N starting dosage range |
| 25 kg (about 55 lbs.) | 6 to 13 units per day |
| 40 kg (about 88 lbs.) | 10 to 20 units per day |
| 55 kg (about 121 lbs.) | 14 to 28 units per day |
| 82 kg (about 180 lbs.) | 21 to 41 units per day |
Is Humulin N used long term?
Yes, Humulin N is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Humulin N is safe and effective for you, it’s likely that you’ll use it long term.
Dosage adjustments
Several factors may affect your Humulin N dosage. Your doctor may provide you with a dosage sliding scale and go over how to adjust your dosage based on your blood sugar levels.
Your doctor may also adjust your dosage based on certain factors, including:
- your metabolism
- illness
- changes in your diet or level of physical activity
If you miss a dose of Humulin N, and it’s been less than 2 hours since your dose was due, take it as soon as you remember. If you take your dose late, you may need to check your blood sugar more frequently during the next 24 hours to see if it’s within your target range.
If it’s been more than 2 hours since your dose was due, call your doctor. They will discuss the best steps to take after missing your dose.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Humulin N on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Humulin N’s dosage.
Will I need to use a dosage chart or a dosage calculator with the Humulin N KwikPen?
Your Humulin N KwikPen dosage varies based on several factors, including:
- your blood sugar levels
- your age and weight
- your metabolism
- your diet and level of physical activity
- health conditions
- stress
Your doctor may provide you with a Humulin KwikPen dosage chart to help you determine the right dose based on your blood sugar levels.
What is the maximum dose I can dial up in my Humulin N KwikPen?
You can dial up and inject up to 60 units of insulin in one Humulin KwikPen injection. If you need to inject more than 60 units in one dose, you can use more than one injection per dose. If you have questions about dividing your dose among multiple injections, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
The dosage of Humulin N you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re using Humulin N to treat
- your age
- your weight
- your blood sugar levels
- changes in your eating patterns or level of physical activity
- stress
- illness
- how well your liver or kidneys work
- other medications you’re taking
- other conditions you may have
You’ll inject Humulin N under your skin, either once or twice per day.
Your doctor will show you how to give yourself injections of Humulin N. The manufacturer also provides step-by-step instructions on how to inject Humulin N using the multi-dose vials or KwikPen.
Always use a new syringe or needle each time you inject Humulin N. You can inject under the skin in your:
- belly (at least 2 inches away from your belly button)
- buttocks*
- upper arms*
- thighs
Be sure to rotate sites each time you inject a dose. This can help prevent injection site reactions such as pain or swelling.
For information on Humulin N expiration, storage, and disposal, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* You may need another person to help you inject Humulin N into this area.
Accessible drug containers and labels
If you find it hard to read the prescription label on your medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies may provide medication labels that:
- have large print or use braille
- feature a code that you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
Do not use more Humulin N than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects, including severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms of an overdose are similar to symptoms of severe hypoglycemia. These symptoms include seizure or trouble concentrating. An overdose could also lead to coma in some cases.
What to do in case you use too much Humulin N
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve used too much Humulin N. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Humulin N for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Humulin N without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Humulin N exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Should my dosage change if Humulin N isn’t working well enough for me?
- Will my child’s dosage change as they get older?
- Should I skip my Humulin N dose if I’m sick?
If you have type 2 diabetes, consider joining Bezzy T2D. It’s an online community where people living with this condition can share advice and support. You might also want to sign up for Healthline’s type 2 diabetes newsletter to get news on treatments and tips for managing your condition.
Q:
How many doses are in one Humulin N KwikPen?
AnonymousA:
Each Humulin N KwikPen contains 300 units of insulin. How many doses that is for you depends on your specific dosage.
To determine how many doses are in each pen, divide 300 units by the number of units you use per dose. For example, if your Humulin N dose is 25 units taken once per day, you’ll divide 300 by 25. This gives you a total of about 12 doses per pen.
Keep in mind that once you start using a Humulin N KwikPen, the pen is good for 31 days in the refrigerator or 14 days at room temperature.
If you have other questions about using your KwikPen, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.