Repaglinide Medications
Repaglinide is a meglitinide antidiabetic drug used to control blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes by prompting insulin secretion after meals.
Repaglinide Information
Repaglinide is an oral medication used to improve blood-sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Belonging to the meglitinide class of insulin secretagogues, it stimulates rapid, short-lasting release of insulin from pancreatic β-cells after meals. The drug was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1997 and subsequently received authorization from the European Medicines Agency and the World Health Organization. In Singapore, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has registered repaglinide for adult type 2 diabetes management, and it is available both as branded products-such as Prandi-and as generic formulations sold through our online pharmacy. While the primary indication is post-prandial glucose reduction, clinicians sometimes consider repaglinide for patients who need flexible dosing around irregular meals. Understanding its molecular action, dosing patterns, and safety profile helps patients make informed choices when buying repaglinide online.
What is Repaglinide?
Repaglinide is a short-acting insulin secretagogue classified as a meglitinide. The HSA first listed the drug for type 2 diabetes in 1999 after the FDA’s 1997 approval. It targets the ATP-sensitive potassium (K_ATP) channels on pancreatic β-cells. By closing these channels, repaglinide depolarizes the cell membrane, opens voltage-gated calcium channels, and triggers a burst of insulin release that mirrors a normal post-meal response. The medication is sold under several brand names-including Prandi, Repaglinide Mylan, and Repaglinide Sandoz-and is also offered as a generic tablet, which you can obtain through our pharmacy service.
How Repaglinide Works
Mechanism of Action
Repaglinide binds to the sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) subunit of the K_ATP channel. This interaction blocks potassium efflux, causing rapid depolarization of β-cells. Calcium influx follows, prompting insulin granules to fuse with the cell membrane and release insulin within minutes.
Therapeutic Effects
The insulin surge lowers post-prandial glucose by enhancing peripheral glucose uptake and suppressing hepatic glucose output. Because the effect dissipates within a few hours, repaglinide minimizes the risk of prolonged hypoglycemia compared with longer-acting sulfonylureas.
Onset and Duration
Clinical studies show that peak insulin secretion occurs 30-60 minutes after ingestion, with glucose-lowering action lasting roughly 4-6 hours. This short duration allows patients to tailor dosing to each meal, making it useful for irregular eating patterns.
Approved Uses and Applications
Approved Indications
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (adult): Used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to reduce post-prandial blood glucose. (FDA, EMA, HSA)
- Combination therapy: Often paired with metformin or a basal insulin when monotherapy does not achieve target HbA1c.
Off-Label Uses
Some clinicians employ repaglinide off-label for patients with type 2 diabetes who experience frequent hypoglycemia on sulfonylureas, leveraging its rapid offset. These uses are not formally approved by regulatory agencies.
Clinical Efficacy
A 24-week, double-blind trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated that repaglinide reduced HbA1c by an average of 1.2 % compared with placebo, with a similar reduction in post-prandial glucose excursions. Another meta-analysis in Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology reported a 15 % lower incidence of severe hypoglycemia relative to glibenclamide.
Buying Repaglinide from Our Online Pharmacy
Why Choose Our Service
Our online pharmacy bridges the gap for patients who encounter limited stock or high prices at local outlets. By sourcing from licensed international wholesalers, we provide consistent availability and transparent pricing, all while protecting your privacy.
Brand Names and Generic Options
- Prandi (brand) - premium packaging, widely recognized.
- Repaglinide Mylan - generic, same active ingredient, lower cost.
- Repaglinide Sandoz - another reputable generic option. Choosing a generic through our platform can reduce out-of-pocket expenses by up to 40 % without compromising quality.
Quality & Safety
We work exclusively with suppliers that meet WHO Good Manufacturing Practice standards and are audited by the HSA. Each shipment undergoes third-party verification before dispatch.
Pricing & Access
Competitive pricing starts at SGD .90 per 1 mg tablet for generics, while branded versions run slightly higher. All repeat orders receive a lifetime 10 % discount, making long-term management more affordable.
Discreet Delivery
Orders ship via express (≈ 7 days) or standard (≈ 3 weeks) services. Packages are plain-boxed, labeled only with a generic identifier, ensuring confidentiality.
Dosing, Formulations & Administration
Available Formulations
Repaglinide is supplied as oral tablets in .5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg strengths. No liquid or extended-release forms are currently marketed.
Typical Dosing Ranges
For adults with type 2 diabetes, clinicians often start with .5 mg taken with the first main meal of the day. The dose may be increased to 1 mg per meal based on glucose monitoring, with a maximum of 6 mg daily (2 mg per meal). Dose adjustments are individualized and guided by a healthcare professional.
Administration Guidelines
- Timing: Take the tablet within 15 minutes before a meal; if a meal is skipped, omit the dose.
- Food Interactions: High-fat meals can modestly delay absorption, but do not significantly alter efficacy.
- Renal/Hepatic Impairment: In severe hepatic disease, the maximum daily dose is typically reduced to 4 mg; renal dosing adjustments are not routinely required but should be assessed by a clinician.
A qualified healthcare provider must determine the exact regimen based on your medical history, concurrent medications, and glycemic goals.
Safety Profile & Considerations
Common Side Effects
- Hypoglycemia (≈ 12 % of patients) - most frequent, especially when meals are delayed.
- Weight gain (≈ 5 %); modest increase seen in long-term studies.
- Nausea or abdominal discomfort (≈ 4 %).
- Headache (≈ 3 %).
Serious Adverse Events
Rare cases of severe hypoglycemia requiring assistance, as well as isolated reports of hepatic injury, have been documented. Immediate medical attention is warranted if confusion, sweating, or loss of consciousness occurs.
Contraindications
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C).
- Known hypersensitivity to repaglinide or any tablet excipients.
Drug Interactions
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin) can raise repaglinide plasma levels, increasing hypoglycemia risk.
- CYP2C8 inhibitors (e.g., gemfibrozil, clopidogrel) have a similar effect.
- Other hypoglycemics (sulfonylureas, insulin) may potentiate glucose-lowering; dosage reductions are often necessary.
Special Populations
- Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Limited data; generally avoided unless benefits outweigh risks.
- Elderly: May experience heightened hypoglycemia; start at the lowest dose and monitor closely.
- Renal Impairment: No dose change required for mild-moderate dysfunction, but caution is advised in end-stage renal disease.
Professional supervision is essential to navigate these considerations safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How does repaglinide differ from glipizide? Repaglinide has a faster onset (30 minutes) and shorter duration (4-6 hours) compared with glipizide, which works over 12-24 hours. This makes repaglinide more suitable for patients with irregular meal timing.
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How long before repaglinide produces noticeable effects for post-meal glucose control? Blood-glucose lowering begins within 15 minutes, peaks at 45-60 minutes, and can be measured as a reduction in post-prandial spikes on a glucose monitor.
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What should I do if I experience mild nausea after taking repaglinide? Mild gastrointestinal upset often resolves with continued use. If it persists for more than a few days or is severe, contact your healthcare provider for possible dose adjustment.
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What are the signs of serious hypoglycemia that require urgent care? Confusion, shakiness, sweating, rapid heartbeat, loss of consciousness, or seizures indicate a medical emergency. Seek immediate assistance or have a trusted person administer glucose.
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Does taking repaglinide with food affect its absorption? The tablet should be taken shortly before a meal; a high-fat meal may delay absorption slightly but does not diminish overall efficacy.
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Can I use repaglinide if I have mild liver disease? Mild hepatic impairment usually permits standard dosing, but severe liver dysfunction mandates dose reduction. Discuss your liver function test results with a clinician.
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Is it safe to combine repaglinide with metformin? The combination is common and generally safe, offering complementary mechanisms-metformin reduces hepatic glucose production while repaglinide stimulates insulin release. Monitoring for hypoglycemia is still required.
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What foods should I avoid while on repaglinide? No specific foods are contraindicated, but excessive alcohol may increase hypoglycemia risk. Maintain a balanced diet and avoid large gaps between meals and dosing.
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How often should I check my blood sugar when starting repaglinide? Frequent monitoring-before meals and 2 hours after meals-for the first two weeks helps gauge effectiveness and adjust dosing.
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What information should I provide my doctor when discussing repaglinide?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- Recent blood-glucose logs and any episodes of hypoglycemia.
- History of liver or kidney disease, and any known drug allergies.
- Lifestyle details such as typical meal patterns and alcohol intake.
Disclaimer
The information provided about repaglinide is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing repaglinide for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing repaglinide.