miglitol – oral, Glyset
Medication Uses: Miglitol is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Miglitol works by slowing the absorption of carbohydrates from your diet, so that your blood sugar does not rise as much after a meal.
How To Use: Take this medication by mouth, usually 3 times daily with the first bite of a meal, or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same times each day.
Side Effects: Diarrhea, gas, upset stomach, or stomach pain may occur in the first few weeks of treatment as your body adjusts to this medication but usually improve with time. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Miglitol does not cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). However, this effect can occur if you also take other anti-diabetic drugs and do not consume enough calories. The symptoms include chills, cold sweat, blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, shaking, rapid heart rate, weakness, headache, fainting, tingling of the hands or feet, or hunger. Do not use table sugar or drink non-diet soda to relieve these symptoms because miglitol delays the breakdown of table sugar. Carry glucose tablets or gel with you to treat low blood sugar. If you are in a situation where you don’t have these reliable forms of glucose, eat some honey or drink a glass of orange juice to quickly raise your blood sugar level. Tell your doctor immediately about the reaction. To help prevent hypoglycemia, eat meals on a regular schedule and do not skip meals.
Symptoms of high blood sugar include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor immediately. Your medication dosage may need to be increased or you may need other drugs. This medication may rarely cause a serious intestinal condition. Tell your doctor right away if you develop persistent diarrhea, constipation, or blood/mucus in stool. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions: Before taking miglitol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have intestine/bowel problems or digestion/absorption disorders. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of kidney disease. Limit alcoholic beverages because it can increase the risk of developing hypoglycemia. During times of stress, it may be more difficult to control your blood sugar. Consult your doctor, as a change in your medication or how often you test your blood sugar may be required. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Your doctor may substitute insulin for this drug during your pregnancy. Follow all instructions carefully. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions: Your healthcare professionals may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. This drug should not be used with activated charcoal or drugs that help digestion. If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting miglitol. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially pramlintide. Beta-blocker medications may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low. Many drugs can affect your blood sugar levels, making it more difficult to control your blood sugar. Before you start, stop, or change any medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how the medication may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor about the results and of any symptoms of high or low blood sugar. Your doctor may need to adjust your anti-diabetic medication, exercise program, or diet.
QUESTION
Overdose: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Notes: Do not share this medication with others. It is recommended that you attend a diabetes education program to understand diabetes and all the important aspects of its treatment. Keep all medical appointments. Laboratory and/or medical tests should be performed periodically to monitor for side effects and response to therapy. Regularly check your blood sugar levels if directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. Storage: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Brief storage between permitted temperatures is allowed. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product. MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call (US) or (Canada). Information last revised March 2014. Copyright First Databank, Inc.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call.
Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
