Insulin Glargine

Insulin Glargine

Drug monograph · NCLEX study reference
Trade names	Lantus, Basaglar, Toujeo
Therapeutic class	Antidiabetic
Pharmacologic class	Long-acting basal insulin analog
Onset / peak / duration	Onset 1 to 2 hours; essentially peakless; duration about 24 hours.
Half-life / level	Long acting; monitor glucose rather than levels.
Routes	SubQ
High-alert (ISMP)	Yes
Black box warning	None
Antidote / reversal	Fast glucose, IV dextrose, or glucagon.
Pregnancy / lactation	Insulin is preferred glucose management in pregnancy.

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 Glargine (brand names Lantus, Basaglar, Toujeo) — Antidiabetic; Long-acting basal insulin analog.

Identification

• Therapeutic class: Antidiabetic.
• Pharmacologic class: Long-acting basal insulin analog.

Pharmacology

• Mechanism of action: Replaces basal insulin, promoting glucose uptake and suppressing hepatic glucose output with no pronounced peak.
• Onset / peak / duration: Onset 1 to 2 hours; essentially peakless; duration about 24 hours.
• Half-life / therapeutic level: Long acting; monitor glucose rather than levels.

Clinical use

• Indications: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes (basal coverage).
• Usual dose, route, frequency: SubQ once daily at the same time.
• Maximum dose / adjustments: Individualized; reduce with renal or hepatic impairment.

Safety

• Contraindications: Hypoglycemia, hypersensitivity.
• Black box warning: None.
• Interactions: Beta blockers (mask hypoglycemia), other glucose-lowering drugs, alcohol (food/drink), corticosteroids (raise glucose).
• Pregnancy / lactation: Insulin is preferred glucose management in pregnancy.
• High-alert: Yes.

Adverse effects

• Common side effects: Hypoglycemia, injection-site reactions, weight gain.
• Serious effects to report: Severe hypoglycemia, severe hypersensitivity.
• Antidote / reversal: Fast glucose, IV dextrose, or glucagon.

Nursing process

• Assessment before administration: Blood glucose, recent intake, hypoglycemia awareness.
• Interventions during therapy: Never mix with other insulins in the same syringe; independent double-check per facility policy; rotate sites.
• Monitor: Blood glucose, A1c, signs of hypo and hyperglycemia.
• Evaluation / expected outcome: Stable basal glucose control.

Patient teaching

• Patient teaching: Give at the same time daily; do not skip; recognize and treat lows.
• Notify provider if: Frequent lows or persistent highs.
• Administration tips: SubQ; rotate sites; clear solution, do not dilute or mix.