repaglinide (cont.)
Anabolic steroids or androgens can increase the risk of developing
hypoglycemia in diabetic patients taking glucose-lowering medications.
Some drugs increase blood sugar and therefore reverse the effects of
repaglinide. Such drugs include amphetamines, glucorticoids such
as prednisone, estrogens, isoniazid, phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), phenytoin
(Dilantin), decongestants, and thyroid drugs.
Beta blockers, for example, propranolol (Inderal), atenolol (Tenormin), can cause
hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Also, beta-blockers can blunt some of the
body's responses to hypoglycemia such as rapid heart rate, thus making it difficult for patients to
recognize (and treat) hypoglycemic reactions. This not withstanding, beta-blockers have been
used successfully in diabetic patients. (Treatment with beta-blockers is associated with
improved survival in diabetics who are treated with the beta-blocker because of high blood pressure.)
Gemfibrozil (Lopid) should not be combined with repaglinide because gemfibrozil may significantly increase blood levels of repaglinide leading to side effects.
PREGNANCY: No adequate human studies on the effects of
repaglinide on the fetus have been done; however, there have been no effects in animal studies in which the mother has received repaglinide during pregnancy. Nevertheless, animals given
repaglinide during both lactation (nursing) and gestation have developed skeletal
defects. Therefore, physicians must weight the potential benefits and risks
of this medication when considering its use in
pregnant women.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known whether repaglinide
accumulates in breast milk. However, animals given repaglinide during
pregnancy and lactation have developed skeletal defects. Because of the possibility of
hypoglycemia in nursing infants and the skeletal effects in nursing
animals, it is recommended that repaglinide not be used in women who are
breastfeeding.
SIDE EFFECTS: Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) occurs somewhat
less frequently with repaglinide (1 in 6 persons) than with sulfonylureas such as
glyburide and glipizide (1 in 5 persons). Some symptoms of hypoglycemia
include hunger, nausea, tiredness, perspiration, headache, heart
palpitations, numbness around the mouth, tingling in the fingers, tremors,
muscle weakness, blurred vision, cold temperature, excessive yawning,
irritability, confusion, or loss of consciousness. Headache is reported in
1 in 9 persons. Other possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
constipation, stomach pain, back pain, and chest pain.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 6/6/1999 6:33:00 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.
- Hemoglobin A1c Test - Hemoglobin A1c test is used as a standard tool to determine blood sugar control for patients with diabetes
- 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.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Diabetes RSS