Repaglinide (Prandin)

Repaglinide is an oral anti-diabetic medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. Repaglinide is designed to lower blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production in the pancreas. Approved by the FDA in 1997, repaglinide was the first meglitinide on the market. Starlix, another meglitinide, was approved by the FDA in 2003.

Repaglinide overview

Brand name: Repaglinide is marketed as Prandin in the United States.

Drug class: Prandin belongs to a class of drugs called meglitinides. These drugs work to lower blood sugar levels by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin. Unlike some other type 2 diabetes drugs, Prandin causes the pancreas to release insulin only when glucose is present in the blood, thus helping to avoid hypoglycemia.

Dosage: According to prescribing information, Prandin is taken orally in tablet form 15 to 30 minutes before each meal. Typical dosages range from .5mg to 2mg. Prandin is sometimes used in combination with the diabetes medicine, metformin.

Side effects: Common side effects of Prandin can include runny or stuffy nose, upper respiratory infections, headache, diarrhea and joint pain.