Miglitol

Brand names: Glyset®

Chemical formula:

Drug Forms:
• Miglitol tablets (below)
• Miglitol Oral tablet

Espa�ol:
• Tabletas de miglitol
• Miglitol, Tableta oral

Miglitol tablets

What are miglitol tablets?

MIGLITOL (Glyset®) lowers blood sugar in patients with diabetes. It slows the entry of certain sugars from food in the intestine into the body. Because it acts to reduce the absorption of sugars or starches in food, it must be taken with meals. Treatment is combined with a balanced diet and exercise. Miglitol may be given with some other diabetic medications. Generic miglitol tablets are not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• hiatal hernia
• kidney disease
• stomach or bowel disease, or obstruction
• an unusual or allergic reaction to miglitol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take miglitol tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets at the start of a main meal, with a drink of water if necessary. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

If you develop severe vomiting or severe diarrhea that prevents you from eating meals, call your health care prescriber for advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What drug(s) may interact with miglitol?

• charcoal
• cholestyramine
• colestipol
• digoxin
• neomycin
• other medicines for diabetes
• pancrelipase, pancreatin, amylase, or other digestive enzyme supplements
• warfarin

Many medications may cause changes (increase or decrease) in blood sugar, these include:
• alcohol containing beverages
• beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems (examples include atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol)
• chromium
• female hormones, such as estrogens, progestins, or contraceptive pills
• isoniazid
• male hormones or anabolic steroids
• medications to suppress appetite or for weight loss
• medicines for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough
• niacin
• pentamidine
• phenytoin
• some herbal dietary supplements
• steroid medicines such as prednisone or cortisone
• thyroid hormones
• water pills (diuretics)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking miglitol?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Learn how to monitor your blood sugar.

Miglitol does not cause symptoms of hypoglycemia (too low blood sugar) by itself, but if given with another antidiabetic medicine, it may increase their potential to lower blood sugar. If you do take miglitol in combination with other medications, you and family members must learn to recognize and how to treat symptoms of low blood sugar.

If you are taking miglitol with other diabetic medications: Because miglitol prevents the breakdown of table sugar you must always keep a supply of glucose or dextrose tablets or solution readily available to treat low blood sugar events if they occur. Ask your pharmacist to help you find these products at the store.

Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain to say you have diabetes, and carry a card that lists all your medications.

What side effects may I notice from taking miglitol?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
It is rare to have serious side effects with this medicine:
• skin rash or itching
• unusual tiredness
• weight loss

In combination with other diabetic medications, like glyburide, glipizide, metformin or insulin, miglitol may cause hypoglycemia (low blood glucose). Contact your health care professional if you experience symptoms of low blood sugar that may include:
• anxiety or nervousness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, hunger, pale skin, nausea, fatigue, sweating, headache, palpitations, numbness of the mouth, tingling in the fingers, tremors, muscle weakness, blurred vision, cold sensations, uncontrolled yawning, irritability, rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, and loss of consciousness.

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
These side effects with miglitol are usually minor but very common. They include:
• bloated feeling
• diarrhea
• stomach or intestinal gas or rumbling stomach
• stomach pain or discomfort

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep away from wet or moist areas, like the bathroom. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.