Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To manage type 2 Diabetes mellitus |
| Common Side Effects | 1. Low blood sugar (see below) 2. Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat 3. Headache 4. Stuffy or runny nose 5. Joint pain 6. Nausea 7. Diarrhea 8. Back pain. |
| Additional Information | Take repaglinide 15 to 30 minutes before meals to see visible effects |
| Storage | 1. The medicine should be stored at room temperature. 2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture. 3. Keep away from the reach of children. |
| How to Take This Medicine | Swallow this medicine with water. |
Repaglinide Uses
Repaglinide 1 mg is an oral medicine belonging to the category of antidiabetic drugs and is used to treat Type 2 Diabetes mellitus.
Repaglinide side effects
More Common
- Low blood sugar (see below)
- Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat
- Headache
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Joint pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Back pain
Less Common
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
- Suicidal thoughts
- Hallucinations
- Headache
- Crankiness or anxiety
- Hunger
- Dizziness or confusion
- Blurry vision
- Slurred speech
- Sweating
- Feeling jittery or shakiness
- Fast heartbeat
- Seizures
How Repaglinide works
The pancreas is the main organ that releases insulin to maintain blood glucose levels in the body. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas can’t produce sufficient insulin. Repaglinide acts directly on the pancreas by stimulating the release of good ions called calcium ions and preventing the outward flow of the potassium ions. This results in a buildup of ions in the pancreas, creating a charge that pushes the pancreas to produce extra insulin when food is taken. As a result, insulin is produced, glucose is utilized by the body, and blood glucose levels are reduced.
Safety Measures and Warning
📌 Pregnancy
Due to a lack of studies on the effects of repaglinide on the fetus during pregnancy, its safety is not clearly established. Therefore, if you are pregnant or planning to conceive, inform your doctor.
📌 Breastfeeding
Repaglinide passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop repaglinide.
📌 Liver Problems and Kidney Problems
Patients suffering from kidney and liver problems are more prone to kidney and liver damage, as the drug is made into a less toxic form in the liver and kidney leading to strain on liver and kidney causing toxicity, so consult a doctor before using them.
Repaglinide Interaction with Food Product
Avoid smoking and consuming alcohol after taking this medicine, as they fluctuate the level of blood glucose levels by affecting the liver and pancreas.
Repaglinide Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking Repaglinide 1 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Repaglinide Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
2-ethoxy-4-[2-[3-methyl -1-[2-(1-piperidinyl)phenyl]butyl]amino] benzoic acid
Intake routine/cycle
📌 Daily dose
Take repaglinide exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
📌 Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
📌 Overdose
It is not recommended to take more than 20 mg of Repaglinide per day, as it may cause severe overdosing effects like extreme drowsiness, confusion, low blood pressure, unconsciousness, sweating, and seizures. Immediately give the eat fruit or glucose-containing liquids and sugary foods to minimize the effects. If you face any of the severe effects, seek medical help.
Storage
- Store the medicine at room temperature.
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture.
- Keep out of reach of children.
Directions for use
- Take repaglinide exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking repaglinide without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take repaglinide, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
Repaglinide Summary
Repaglinide is an oral antidiabetic medicine that belongs to the meglitinide class. It works by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin, especially after meals, helping to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Unlike some other diabetes medicines, repaglinide acts quickly and is taken just before eating to manage the rise in sugar that happens after meals. It’s mainly used to lower post-meal blood sugar spikes and can be especially helpful for people who follow irregular meal patterns. However, it’s important to eat soon after taking the tablet, as it can lower sugar levels too much, leading to a condition called hypoglycemia. Common side effects include mild dizziness, headache, and low blood sugar symptoms like sweating, shakiness, and hunger. In rare cases, stomach upset, and allergic reactions can occur. Finally, it should be taken at the prescribed levels only.
FAQ’s
1. What is the mechanism of action of repaglinide?
➡️ Repaglinide is an antidiabetic medicine used to control high blood glucose levels, and it acts by stimulating the pancreas to stimulate more insulin that controls the blood sugar levels.
2. Which class of medicine does repaglinide belong to?
➡️ Repaglinide belongs to the category of meglitinides, the antidiabetic drugs used to control blood glucose levels in the body effectively immediately after a meal.
3. What are the uses of repaglinide tablet 1 mg?
➡️ Repaglinide 1 mg is used to control blood sugar levels in adults who are in the early stage of diabetes and have less insulin release.
Reference
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 65981, Repaglinide. Internet. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [cited 2025 Jul 5]. Available from.
- Drug Bank Online. Repaglinide [Internet]. Edmonton (AB): Canadian Institutes of Health Research; [cited 2025 Jul 5]. Available from.
- Mawhinney S, Gaddey HL. Repaglinide. In: Stat Pearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): Stat Pearls Publishing; 2023 Jan– [cited 2025 Jul 5]. Available from.
- WebMD. Repaglinide oral: Uses, side effects, interactions, pictures, warningsand dosing [Internet]. New York (NY): WebMD LLC; [cited 2025 Jul 5]. Available from.
- Drugs.com. Repaglinide Monograph [Internet]. Auckland (NZ): Data pharm; [cited 2025 Jul 5]. Available from.
