Prandin

Why should Prandin not be prescribed?

If you have type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes, you cannot use Prandin. The drug also cannot be used for diabetic ketoacidosis (a life-threatening emergency first signaled by excessive thirst, nausea, fatigue, and fruity-smelling breath). This condition must be treated with insulin.

If you find that Prandin gives you an allergic reaction, you'll be unable to continue using it.

Special warnings about Prandin

While taking Prandin, you should check your blood sugar regularly. Your doctor will also watch it; and to measure long-term glucose control, he will probably give you the glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) test as well.

Too much Prandin can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), marked by shaking, sweating, and cold-clammy skin. If you develop these symptoms, take some orange juice or suck on a hard candy. The problem is more likely to surface if you are elderly, debilitated, or malnourished, have liver problems, or suffer from poor adrenal or pituitary function.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Prandin

If Prandin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Prandin with the following:

• Airway-opening medications
• Alcohol (excessive amounts can cause low blood sugar)
• Aspirin
• Barbiturates
• Beta-blockers
• Blood thinners
• Calcium channel blockers
• Carbamazepine
• Chloramphenicol
• Clarithromycin
• Erythromycin
• Estrogens
• Ketoconazole
• Furosemide
• Glucose lowering agents
• Isoniazid
• Major tranquilizers
• MAO inhibitors
• Niacin
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Oral contraceptives
• Phenytoin
• Probenecid
• Rifampin
• Steroids such as prednisone
• Sulfa drugs
• Thyroid medications
• Water pills such as the thiazide diuretics

Additionally, you should not start taking Prandin if you are already taking a triglyceride-lowering medication. Combining the two drugs could lead to a dangerous drop in blood sugar. However, if you're already taking both drugs, the doctor will monitor your blood sugar levels closely and adjust the dosages as needed.