Prandin
Repaglinide
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Prandin
Prandin is a meglitinide group of oral hypoglycemic (anti diabetic) drug. It acts by lowering blood glucose (sugar) by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas. For Prandin to work the pancreas has to be functional although less capable than normal.
Therapeutic Uses of Prandin
Prandin is used for treatment of type 2 (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or NIDDM) diabetes. Prandin is used in addition to diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in adults who cannot manage with diet, exercise alone. It may be used with other anti diabetes medicines. Prandin does not work in type 1 (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or IDDM) diabetes, because in type1 diabetes the pancreas gland is not capable of making or releasing insulin.
Direction of use of Prandin
Use Prandin as directed by your doctor or check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. Prandin should be taken orally at least 30 minutes before every meal. If you miss a meal you should skip a dose of Prandin and if you take an extra meal, you should take an extra dose of Prandin with that meal.
If You Miss a Dose of Prandin
If you miss a dose of Prandin, you should skip the dose and continue with regular dosing as usual. Do not take 2 doses of Prandin for missed dose.
How to Store Prandin
Prandin should be stored at temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). It should be stored away from moisture and heat in a dark place. Keep it out of reach of children.
More Information About Prandin
If you have any questions about Prandin, you should ask your doctor, or other health care provider. Prandin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed and not share it with other people. If you do not get any symptomatic improvement or if they become worse, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Prandin
Do not take Prandin if you have any medical conditions listed below and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to any ingredients of Prandin.
- If you are taking gemfibrozil.
- If you are suffering from type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or IDDM) or have elevated ketone levels due to diabetes (known as diabetic keto-acidosis).
Prandin may interact with some medical conditions. Consult your doctor immediately if you have any of the medical conditions that may interact with Prandin. The following medical conditions may interact with Prandin:
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or if you are breast feeding your baby.
- If you have allergies to any medicine, food, or any other substance.
- If you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine or over the counter (OTC) medicine, herbal preparation or any dietary supplement.
- If you have history of acidosis (especially diabetic keto-acidosis), kidney disease, or liver disease.
Some medicines may interact with Prandin. Inform your doctor or other health care provider if you are taking any medicine that may interact with Prandin. The following medicines may interact with Prandin:
- Insulin may increase the risk of Prandin 's side effects.
- Rifampin (anti tubercular medicine) may reduce effectiveness of Prandin.
- Beta blockers (propranolol, atenolol etc.), gemfibrozil, imidazoles (ketoconazole), macrolides and ketolides (erythromycin, azithromycin etc.), monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (phenelzine), quinolones (ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin etc.), or salicylates (aspirin) may increase the risk of side effects, such as low blood sugar.
Possible Adverse Effects of Prandin
Like any other medicine may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Consult with your doctor if any of the most common side effects persist or become bothersome. The following are the common side effects of Prandin:
- Diarrhea, headache, increased hunger, joint or back pain, nasal congestion, chest congestion, nervousness, sinus inflammation, sweating, tiredness, tremor, increased heartbeat (palpitation) change in vision etc.
Get immediate medical attention if you experience any of the serious side effects of Prandin. The following are the serious and uncommon side effects of Prandin:
- Chest pain, severe allergic reaction manifested by skin rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue etc.