Repaglinide and metformin (Oral)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 20, 2022.
Post-marketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis have resulted in death, hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant bradyarrhythmias. The onset of metformin-associated lactic acidosis is often subtle, accompanied only by nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, somnolence, and abdominal pain. Metformin-associated lactic acidosis was characterized by elevated blood lactate levels (greater than 5 mmol/L), anion gap acidosis (without evidence of ketonuria or ketonemia), an increased lactate/pyruvate ratio; and metformin plasma levels generally greater than 5 mcg/mL. Risk factors include renal impairment, concomitant use of certain drugs (eg, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as topiramate), age 65 years old or greater, having a radiological study with contrast, surgery and other procedures, hypoxic states (eg, acute congestive heart failure), excessive alcohol intake, and hepatic impairment. If suspected, immediately discontinue repaglinide/metformin and institute general supportive measures in a hospital setting. Prompt hemodialysis is recommended .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- PrandiMet
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet
Therapeutic Class: Hypoglycemic
Chemical Class: Meglitinide
Uses for repaglinide and metformin
Repaglinide and metformin combination is used to treat high blood sugar levels caused by a type of diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes) called type 2 diabetes. It is used together with a proper diet and exercise to help control blood sugar levels in patients who are already treated with meglitinide and metformin combination, or in patients who have been taking meglitinide or metformin but did not work well.
Repaglinide causes your pancreas to release more insulin into the blood stream. Metformin reduces the absorption of sugar from the stomach, reduces the release of stored sugar from the liver, and helps your body use sugar better.
Repaglinide and metformin is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using repaglinide and metformin
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For repaglinide and metformin, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to repaglinide and metformin or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of repaglinide and metformin combination in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of repaglinide and metformin combination in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney problems, which may require an adjustment of in the dose for patients receiving repaglinide and metformin combination.
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