Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: nateglinide
BRAND NAME: Starlix
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Nateglinide is an oral drug used to lower blood sugar (glucose) levels in type 2 diabetes. It is in a class of drugs called meglitinides which also includes repaglinide (Prandin).
Approximately 90% of patients with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in adults and is associated with obesity and a strong family history
of diabetes. Insulin is an important hormone that controls the blood level of glucose. Type 2 diabetics have an inability to control blood glucose levels. This is caused by reduced secretion of insulin from the pancreas after meals and resistance of the body's cells to the effect of insulin which is to stimulate the cells to remove glucose from the blood. This leads to high levels of blood glucose.
Nateglinide stimulates cells in the pancreas to produce insulin in a manner similar to the class of drugs called sulfonylureas, e.g., glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase and Micronase) which also are used in type 2 diabetes. However, nateglinide appears to have a faster onset and a shorter duration of action than sulfonylureas. The benefit of this faster, shorter effect may be to prevent the rapid, transient rise in blood glucose that occurs in diabetics immediately following a meal. Nateglinide was approved by the FDA in December, 2000.
GENERIC: no
PRESCRIPTION: yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablet: 60 and 120 mg.
STORAGE: Nateglinide should be stored at room temperature, 15-30°C(59-86°F) in an air-tight container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Nateglinide is used to control blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes. It may be used with diet and exercise when diet and exercise alone are not successful in controlling blood glucose. It also may be used with metformin, another drug that is used for controlling blood glucose in type 2 diabetes.
Nateglinide is not recommended if blood glucose levels have not been controlled by a sulfonylurea since nateglinide and sulfonylureas have a similar mechanism of action. Therefore, if sulfonylureas are ineffective, it is likely that nateglinide also will be ineffective.
DOSING: Nateglinide may be prescribed at 60 or 120 mg three times daily. The dose is adjusted depending upon blood glucose and HbA1c levels. Nateglinide should be taken 30 minutes or less before a meal but should not be taken if a meal is skipped.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Starting or
stopping the following drugs may increase the response to nateglinide and may
require the dose of nateglinide to be lowered: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
agents (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Motrin, etc.), aspirin and aspirin-like compounds, monoamine oxidase inhibitors like phenelzine (Nadril), and beta-blocking drugs like propranolol (Inderal).
Starting or stopping the following drugs may decrease the response to nateglinide and may require the dose of nateglinide to be increased: thiazide diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide, steroids like prednisone, thyroid hormone like levothyroxine, and drugs used in emergencies to regulate the heartbeat or restore breathing when airways are blocked. Examples of these latter drugs are epinephrine and albuterol (Ventolin).
PREGNANCY: No safety and efficacy studies have been conducted in pregnant women taking nateglinide.
NURSING MOTHERS: No safety and efficacy studies have been conducted in pregnant women taking nateglinide.
SIDE EFFECTS: Development of a runny nose, cough, and flu-like symptoms is the most common side effect seen with nateglinide therapy. Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels with or without symptoms), dizziness and joint pain may occur.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 9/9/2001 12:48:00 PM
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 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Diabetes - Learn about type 1 and 2 diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) symptoms including increased urination, thirst, weight loss, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin infections, and blurred vision. Causes and diagnosis information is provided in the information.
- repaglinide, Prandin - Information about repaglinide (Prandin), a drug prescribed for the treatment of high blood sugar (glucose) in patient's with diabetes.
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