Insulin Detemir
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| Drug monograph · NCLEX study reference | |
| Trade names | Levemir |
|---|---|
| Therapeutic class | Antidiabetic |
| Pharmacologic class | Long-acting basal insulin analog |
| Onset / peak / duration | Onset 1 to 2 hours; minimal peak; duration up to 24 hours (sometimes twice daily). |
| Half-life / level | Monitor glucose, not levels. |
| Routes | SubQ |
| High-alert (ISMP) | Yes |
| Black box warning | None |
| Antidote / reversal | Glucose or glucagon. |
| Pregnancy / lactation | Insulin preferred. |
Nursing pharmacology study reference (NCLEX-style monograph). Numeric values are standard teaching ranges for study and must be verified against current manufacturer labeling before clinical use. This is educational content, not prescribing guidance.
Insulin Detemir (brand name Levemir) — Antidiabetic; Long-acting basal insulin analog.
Identification
- Therapeutic class: Antidiabetic.
- Pharmacologic class: Long-acting basal insulin analog.
Pharmacology
- Mechanism of action: Basal insulin replacement.
- Onset / peak / duration: Onset 1 to 2 hours; minimal peak; duration up to 24 hours (sometimes twice daily).
- Half-life / therapeutic level: Monitor glucose, not levels.
Clinical use
- Indications: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
- Usual dose, route, frequency: SubQ once or twice daily.
- Maximum dose / adjustments: Individualized.
Safety
- Contraindications: Hypoglycemia, hypersensitivity.
- Black box warning: None.
- Interactions: Same insulin interactions.
- Pregnancy / lactation: Insulin preferred.
- High-alert: Yes.
Adverse effects
- Common side effects: Hypoglycemia, injection reactions.
- Serious effects to report: Severe hypoglycemia.
- Antidote / reversal: Glucose or glucagon.
Nursing process
- Assessment before administration: Blood glucose, recent intake.
- Interventions during therapy: Do not mix; rotate sites; double-check per policy.
- Monitor: Blood glucose, A1c.
- Evaluation / expected outcome: Basal glucose control.
Patient teaching
- Patient teaching: Consistent timing; treat lows promptly.
- Notify provider if: Frequent lows or highs.
- Administration tips: SubQ; rotate sites.