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Nateglinide |
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What is Nateglinide and why is it prescribed? Nateglinide combats high blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Insulin speeds the transfer of sugar from the bloodstream to the body's cells, where it's burned to produce energy. In diabetes, the body either fails to make enough insulin, or proves unable to properly use what's available. Nateglinide attacks the problem from the production angle, stimulating the pancreas to secrete more insulin. Nateglinide can be used alone or combined with another diabetes drug, called Glucophage, that tackles the other part of the problem, working to improve the body's response to whatever insulin it makes. Nateglinide is prescribed only when diet and exercise, or Glucophage alone, have failed to control blood sugar levels. Always remember that Nateglinide is an aid to, not a substitute for, good diet and exercise. Failure to follow a sound diet and exercise plan can lead to serious complications, such as dangerously high or low blood sugar levels. Remember, too, that Nateglinide is not an oral form of insulin, and cannot be used in place of insulin shots. How should you take Nateglinide? Follow your doctors directions for taking Nateglinide. Nateglinide should be taken before each meal, anywhere from 30 minutes to the moment before you begin to eat. If you skip a meal, skip your Nateglinide dose as well. Wait until your next meal before taking the medication. If you miss a dose wait until your next meal, then take your regular dose. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Nateglinide at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Are there any Nateglinide side effects? Nateglinide side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Nateglinide side effects may include back pain, diarrhea, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, joint infection, and upper respiratory infection. Less common Nateglinide side effects may include accidental injury, bronchitis, coughing, and low blood sugar. Nateglinide, like all oral diabetes drugs, can cause hypoglycemia. This risk is increased by missed meals, alcohol, other diabetes medications, and excessive exercise. Hypoglycemia is more likely in older or malnourished people and those with poorly functioning adrenal or pituitary glands. To avoid low blood sugar, take Nateglinide only at meals and closely follow the dietary and exercise regimen suggested by your doctor. Symptoms of mild low blood sugar may include blurred vision, cold sweats, dizziness, fast heartbeat, fatigue, headache, hunger, light-headedness, nausea, and nervousness. Symptoms of more severe low blood sugar may include coma, disorientation, pale skin, seizures, and shallow breathing. Mild hypoglycemia can usually be corrected by eating sugar or a sugar-based product. If symptoms of severe low blood sugar develop, contact your doctor immediately. Severe hypoglycemia should be considered a medical emergency, and prompt medical attention is essential. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Nateglinide? If Nateglinide is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Nateglinide with Airway-opening drugs (such as Alupent and Proventil), Aspirin, Beta blockers (such as the blood pressure medications Inderal and Tenormin), Corticosteroids (such as prednisone/Deltasone), Decongestants (such as Sudafed), MAO inhibitors (such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Advil, Motrin, and Naprosyn), Salicylates (such as the arthritis drugs Disalcid and Trilisate), Thiazide diuretics (such as the water pills Esidrix and HydroDIURIL), or Thyroid medications (such as Synthroid). Be careful about drinking alcohol, since excessive alcohol consumption can cause low blood sugar. Also be careful when having a liquid meal since it could reduce the effectiveness of the drug. Are there any special warnings about Nateglinide? You should periodically test your blood or urine for abnormal sugar levels. Even people with well-controlled diabetes may find that injury, infection, surgery, or fever results in a temporary loss of blood sugar control. At such times, the doctor may recommend that you take insulin instead of Nateglinide. The effectiveness of any antidiabetic drug, including Nateglinide, may decrease with time. This may occur because of either a diminished responsiveness to the medication or a worsening of the diabetes. If you have liver disease, use Nateglinide with caution. Also, be aware that dialysis treatments may reduce the effectiveness of the drug. The safety and effectiveness of Nateglinide in children have not been established. |
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