Miglitol: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Use

What is miglitol for?

Miglitol is a drug used in conjunction 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 hands and feet, and problems with sexual function. Proper diabetes control may also reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. Miglitol works by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates in food, so that blood sugar does not increase too much after eating.

How to use miglitol?

Take this medication, usually 3 times a day after the first bite, or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on medical condition and response to therapy.

Use this remedy regularly for maximum benefits. Remember to use it at the same time every day.

How do I store miglitol?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage for miglitol for adults?

Adult dosage for type 2 diabetes

Initial dose: 25 mg orally 3 times a day at baseline (with first bite) with each meal.

What is the dose of miglitol for children?

The dosage for children has not been determined. Consult a doctor for more information.

In what dosage is miglitol available?

Tablet, oral: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg.

Side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to miglitol?

Stop using miglitol and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, narrowed throat, swollen lips, tongue, or face; or itching).

Other, less severe side effects may occur more frequently. Continue taking miglitol and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• Stomach ache
• Diarrhea
• Bloating, or
• Rash.

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you want to know about side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be known before using miglitol?

Before taking Miglitol, tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you are allergic to miglitol or other drugs
• The types of prescription and nonprescription drugs you are currently taking, especially other medicines for diabetes, digestive enzymes (Viokase, Pancrease, or Ultrase), digoxin (Lanoxin), propranolol (Inderal), ranitidine (Zantac), and vitamins
• If you (have) had chronic intestinal disease, colitis, intestinal obstruction, or kidney disease
• If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking miglitol, call your doctor.

Is miglitol safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Miglitol can pass into breast milk and may harm the baby. You should not breastfeed while you are taking this medicine.

Interaction

What medicines might interact with miglitol?

Drug interactions may change how medications work or increase the risk of serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / over the counter medicines and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change your dose without your doctor's approval.

Certain digestive enzyme supplements might reduce the effects of miglitol and should not be taken at the same time, including:

• Pancreatin (amylase, protease, lipase)
• Products such as Arco-Lase, Cotazym, Donnazyme, Pancrease, Creon, Ku-Zyme, and so on.

You are more prone to developing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) if you take miglitol with other medicines that can reduce blood sugar, including insulin or other oral diabetes medications.

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during treatment with miglitol, especially:

• Propranolol, or
• Ranitidine

Can food or alcohol interact with miglitol?

Certain drugs cannot be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medication with food, alcohol, or cigarettes.

What health conditions can interact with miglitol?

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of the drug. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Digestive problems
• Gastrointestinal inflammation
• Bowel obstruction
• Other intestinal problems — Miglitol should not be used
• Kidney disease — Miglitol levels may be higher and smaller doses may be required

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Do not double up on a dose to make up for a missed dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.