Humulin R Drug Interactions

When certain medications are taken in combination with Humulin R, drug interactions could occur that may affect blood sugar levels. Some of these medicines include fibrate cholesterol medications, sulfonamide antibiotics, and beta blockers. Since Humulin R interactions can result in dangerously low blood sugar, it is important that you notify your healthcare provider any time you start, stop, or change the dose of any medication.

 

An Overview of Humulin R Drug Interactions

Many medications can affect blood sugar and may, therefore, interact with Humulin® R (
 regular insulin). Many of these potential drug interactions are dangerous, while others are not. Some interactions may increase blood sugar levels, which is not healthy, but is usually not dangerous right away (although extremely high blood sugar can be dangerous if left untreated). These drug interactions are not discussed in this article. Typically, such interactions are discovered (by regular blood sugar monitoring) and managed before any problems occur.
 
Other Humulin R drug interactions can result in dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), which can become quite dangerous very quickly. Some of the medicines that may cause dangerously low blood sugar when combined with Humulin R include:
 
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), such as:

 

 

  • Beta blockers, including (but not limited to):

 

 

 

 

  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as:

 

 

  • Octreotide (Sandostatin®)
  • Oral diabetes medications
  • Propoxyphene (Darvon®, Darvocet®)
  • Reserpine
  • Salicylates, such as:

 

    • Aspirin (Ecotrin®, Bayer®, Anacin®)
    • Choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate®)
    • Diflunisal (Dolobid®)
    • Salsalate (Salflex®, Disalcid®, Amigesic®)

 

  • Sulfonamide antibiotics ("sulfa drugs"), such as:

 

    • Sulfadiazine
    • Sulfadoxine (Fansidar®)
    • Sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim®, Septra®)
    • Sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin®).

 

(Humulin R Drug Interactions Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;