Glyset

Generic name: Miglitol

What is Glyset?

Glyset is used as an add-on treatment to diet to improve high blood sugar levels caused by type 2 diabetes mellitus. Glyset may also be used in combination with a sulfonylurea (such as Glipizide, Glimepiride, or Glyburide) when diet plus either Glyset or a sulfonylurea alone do not result in adequate blood sugar control.

What is the most important information I should know about Glyset?

Glyset itself does not cause low blood sugar even when administered to patients in the fasted state. However, when Glyset is given in combination with a sulfonylurea or insulin, it will cause a further lowering of blood sugar.

It is important to continue to adhere to dietary instructions, a regular exercise program, and regular testing of urine or blood glucose.

Glyset when administered alone should not cause hypoglycemia (very low levels of blood sugar that could be life-threatening). However, sulfonylureas and insulin may cause hypoglycemia. When Glyset is administered with a sulfonylurea drug or insulin, the combination will further lower your blood glucose and has the potential of causing hypoglycemia.

When diabetic patients are exposed to stress such as fever, infection, trauma, or surgery, a temporary loss of blood glucose may occur. When this happens, temporary insulin therapy may be necessary.

Who should not take Glyset?

Do not use Glyset if you have diabetic ketoacidosis (inadequate insulin levels resulting in high blood sugar and accumulation of organic acids and ketones in the blood.), inflammatory bowel disease, colonic ulceration, partial intestinal obstruction, or chronic intestinal disease.

Glyset should not be used by anyone allergic to the drug or any of its components.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Glyset?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Glyset. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or have intestinal or kidney disease.

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 starting dosage of Glyset is 25 milligrams (mg), given orally 3 times a day. However, some patients may benefit by starting at 25 mg once daily to minimize side effects, then gradually increase the frequency of administration to 3 times a day.

The usual maintenance dose of Glyset is 50 mg 3 times a day, although some patients may benefit from increasing the dose to 100 mg 3 times a day.

The maximum recommended dosage of Glyset is 100 mg 3 times a day.

How should I take Glyset?

GLYSET should be taken orally 3 times a day with the first bite of each main meal.

What should I avoid while taking Glyset?

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication because it may increase your risk of developing hypoglycemia.

Use caution when engaging in activities that require alertness such as driving or operating machinery because you may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness from very high or low blood sugar levels.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Glyset?

If Glyset 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 Glyset with the following: amylase, digoxin, glyburide, intestinal absorbents (eg, charcoal), metformin, propranolol, ranitidine

What are the possible side effects of Glyset?

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: abdominal pain, diarrhea, excess gas in stomach, skin rash

Symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): dizziness, hunger, lightheadedness, shakiness

If you experience signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, eat or drink something with sugar in it right away, such as regular (not diet) soft drink, orange juice, honey, sugar candy, or glucose tablets. If you do not feel better or your blood glucose does not go up, call your doctor immediately. If your doctor is unavailable for an emergency, call 911 or have someone drive you to the nearest emergency room.

Can I receive Glyset if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Glyset 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 Glyset?

If you miss a dose and have completed your meal, skip the missed dose. Take the next dose with the next meal. Do not take 2 doses at once.

How should I store Glyset?

Store at room temperature.