From the Guidelines
Prandin (repaglinide) is a nonsulfonylurea insulin secretagogue that reduces postprandial blood glucose by stimulating insulin secretion in the early phase, and it is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called meglitinides, which stimulate the pancreas to release insulin in response to meals 1.
Key Characteristics of Prandin:
- It is typically taken before meals, usually within 30 minutes of eating, with dosages ranging from 0.5 to 4 mg per meal depending on the patient's needs and response.
- The medication works quickly and has a short duration of action, making it particularly useful for controlling post-meal blood sugar spikes.
- Unlike some other diabetes medications, Prandin should be skipped if a meal is skipped to avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
- Common side effects include hypoglycemia, headache, upper respiratory infections, and joint pain.
- Patients should monitor their blood sugar regularly while taking this medication and be aware of hypoglycemia symptoms such as shakiness, dizziness, and confusion.
Important Considerations:
- Prandin is not insulin and is not appropriate for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
- It's essential to take this medication exactly as prescribed and to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen for optimal diabetes management.
- The use of Prandin can lower HbA1c by 0.5% to 1.5%, and it can be used separately or in combination with other antidiabetic medications 1.
- In patients with renal insufficiency, glinides like Prandin can be used, but with caution, as the risk of hypoglycemia may be increased 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Repaglinide tablets are an oral blood glucose-lowering drug of the glinide class used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus or NIDDM). Prandin (repaglinide) is a glinide indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- It works by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas, which is dependent on functioning beta cells.
- The medication is available in tablet form, containing 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg of repaglinide, and is taken orally 2, 2, 2.
From the Research
What is Prandin (Repaglinide)?
Prandin, also known as repaglinide, is a medication used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus. It belongs to a class of drugs known as insulin secretagogues, which stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreatic beta-cells 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
Mechanism of Action
Repaglinide works by binding to a specific receptor site on the pancreatic beta-cells, triggering the release of insulin. This helps to lower blood glucose levels, particularly after meals 3, 4.
Key Characteristics
Some key characteristics of repaglinide include:
- Rapid absorption and elimination, allowing for a fast onset and offset of action 3, 6
- Primarily metabolized by the liver and eliminated via the bile 6
- Short duration of action, making it suitable for mealtime dosing 4, 6, 7
- Flexible dosing regimen, allowing patients to take the medication before each main meal 5, 6, 7
Clinical Efficacy
Studies have shown that repaglinide is effective in improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, with benefits including:
- Lowering fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels 3, 4, 6, 7
- Improving HbA1c levels 4, 7
- Reducing the risk of hypoglycemia, particularly when compared to sulfonylureas 4, 5, 6
- Allowing for flexible meal timing and dosing regimens 5, 6, 7
Combination Therapy
Repaglinide can be used in combination with other medications, such as metformin, to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus 4, 5, 6.