Prandin
Generic Name: Repaglinide
What is Prandin?
Prandin is used to reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent). It is prescribed when diet and exercise fail to correct the problem. Prandin may be prescribed alone or in combination with other diabetes medications, such as metformin.What is the most important information I should know about Prandin?
Always remember that Prandin is an aid to helping you control your glucose (sugar) levels. It is not a substitute for a good diet and exercise.While taking Prandin, you should check your blood sugar regularly. Your doctor will also monitor you.
Prandin may cause severe lowering of blood sugar (hypoglycemia). There is a greater risk of hypoglycemia if you have kidney or liver problems; are elderly, debilitated, or malnourished; have adrenal or pituitary gland problems; don't eat enough; exercise too much; drink alcohol; or use multiple diabetes medications.
Loss of blood sugar control may occur when you are exposed to stress such as trauma, fever, infection, or surgery. Insulin may be necessary.
Prandin is not indicated for use with NPH insulin.
Who should not take Prandin?
Do not take Prandin if you have type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes or are taking gemfibrozil.Do not take Prandin for diabetic ketoacidosis (a life-threatening emergency caused by insufficient insulin and marked by excessive thirst, nausea, fatigue, and fruity-smelling breath). This condition must be treated with insulin.
Do not take Prandin if you are allergic to the drug or to its inactive ingredients.
What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Prandin?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Prandin. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have kidney disease, liver disease, type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious infection, illness, injury, or if you need surgery.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Adults: The recommended dose ranges from 0.5 milligrams (mg) to 4 mg. If you have never taken a glucose-lowering medication before, your doctor will likely start you with the 0.5-mg dose. If you have taken these drugs in the past, the starting dose is 1 or 2 mg. Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate dose for you.
Your dose of Prandin will be adjusted according to your blood sugar levels. Your doctor will wait at least a week after each change in dose to check your response.
How should I take Prandin?
Prandin should be taken 15 minutes before each meal. You can take it from 30 minutes to right before starting to eat. You can take Prandin two, three, or four times a day, depending on the number of meals you have. If you skip a meal (or add an extra meal), you should skip (or add) a dose of Prandin accordingly.What should I avoid while taking Prandin?
Follow diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these routines can affect your blood sugar levels.Avoid alcohol; it lowers blood sugar and may interfere with your diabetes treatment.
What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Prandin?
If Prandin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Prandin with the following: alcohol, barbiturates (such as the sedatives secobarbital and pentobarbital), beta-blockers (such as the blood pressure medications propranolol and atenolol), calcium channel blockers (such as the blood pressure medications diltiazem and nifedipine), carbamazepine, chloramphenicol, clarithromycin, corticosteroids (such as prednisone), coumarins (such as the blood-thinning drug warfarin); cyclosporine, diuretics (water pills) such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide, erythromycin, estrogens, gemfibrozil, isoniazid, itraconazole, ketoconazole, MAO inhibitors (such as the antidepressants isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine), montelukast, niacin, nicotinic acid, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen and naproxen), birth control pills, phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine), phenytoin, probenecid, rifampin, salicylates (such as aspirin), sulfonamides (such as sulfamethoxazole), sympathomimetics (such as albuterol), thyroid medications, or trimethoprim.What are the possible side effects of Prandin?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: low blood sugar, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, back pain, joint pain, sinus or nasal inflammation, bronchitis, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, indigestion, skin tingling, chest pain, urinary tract infection
Can I receive Prandin if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
The effects of Prandin during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What should I do if I miss a dose of Prandin?
If you miss a dose of Prandin, skip the one you missed and return to your regular dosing schedule at your next meal. Do not take two doses at once.How should I store Prandin?
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from moisture and heat.
I'm Beth Isaac, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
