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Why does insulin have to be taken intravenously?

Please explain

In diabetic ketoacidosis it needs to be given intravenously as a fixed rate infusion because this is a medical emergency. Otherwise, insulin is administered subcutaneously in non-emergency situations.

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Reply 2

Helenia

Original post by lydiafoof

Please explain

It doesn't?

Or do you mean why can't it be given orally, in which case anyone with A-level Biology should be able to work it out.

Reply 3

lydiafoof

Original post by Helenia

It doesn't?

Or do you mean why can't it be given orally, in which case anyone with A-level Biology should be able to work it out.

Why can't it be given orally?

Reply 4

Flying Cookie

The stomach acid would denature it beyond its ability to work. You know, that's what the stomach is for: Breaking things down.

Reply 5

QuidditchFan

Original post by lydiafoof

Why can't it be given orally?

A level biology! :tongue:

insulin is a protein....and there are protease enzymes in the stomach....

Reply 6

InArduisFouette

same question asked by the same poster and answered at length by Nurses and Pharmacists

http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?p=53642091

Reply 7

Democracy

Original post by zippyRN

same question asked by the same poster and answered at length by Nurses and Pharmacists
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?p=53642091

I am an unperson it seems :frown:

Reply 8

InArduisFouette

Original post by Democracy

I am an unperson it seems :frown:

sorry i didn;t take in you'd answered on that version of the thread ... blame sunday morning sleepiness for that

Reply 9

Democracy

Original post by zippyRN

sorry i didn;t take in you'd answered on that version of the thread ... blame sunday morning sleepiness for that

I'm just messing with you - enjoy your Sunday.

Reply 10

NewNew

Original post by lydiafoof

Please explain

Insulin has to be taken intravenously (IV) because the liquid form will travel fast through the bloodstream to interact with the blood sugars. If insulin was in a solid form (non-IV), the matter would take longer to breakdown and therefore there would be a slower response with the interaction with blood sugars.

Reply 11

Etomidate

Because SC is more profitable than oral formulations. This is how companies like GlaxoSmithKline make their millions. Medication given as an injection also has a bigger placebo effect.

You're all sheep being conned by big pharma.

(edited 9 years ago)

Reply 12

flibber

Original post by QuidditchFan

A level biology! :tongue:

insulin is a protein....and there are protease enzymes in the stomach....

Not even A Level. My biology (GCSE) teacher said exactly that for the topic on diabetes.

Reply 13

King Boo

Speed of administration in a medical emergency, as well as the fact stomach acid has an exceedingly low pH and would denature the enzyme before it had any effect.

Reply 14

Democracy

Original post by King Boo

Speed of administration in a medical emergency, as well as the fact stomach acid has an exceedingly low pH and would denature the enzyme before it had any effect.

Insulin is a hormone, not an enzyme :fyi:

Reply 15

King Boo

Original post by Democracy

Insulin is a hormone, not an enzyme :fyi:

Touché sir. Been revising michaelis menten kinetics for too long it would appear :eek:

Reply 16

SmashConcept

Original post by Etomidate

I know this is true because literally all drugs sold by big pharma are injections and not pills.

Reply 17

dontbetheprey

Original post by lydiafoof

Please explain

Insulin contains peptide bonds which become deionised/broken by stomach acid therefore breaking the compound down if taken by mouth. Taking insulin intravenously by passes the stomach allowing insulin to function .

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Reply 18

thegodofgod

Original post by SmashConcept

I know this is true because literally all drugs sold by big pharma are injections and not pills.

I would argue the opposite. Oral formulations tend to have higher patient adherence rates than parenteral formulations (easier to take tablets/capsules/oral liquids than an injection, either auto-injecting or an injection being administered by a HCP). Greater patient adherence means that the prescribers are more likely to prescribe it (assuming that the drug is effective, etc.), meaning that the drug companies get more drug sales.

Having said that, though, I'm wondering whether you were just being sarcastic :colondollar: