Precose

Severe hypoglycemia is an emergency. Contact your doctor immediately if the symptoms occur.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Precose

When you take Precose with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before taking Precose with the following:

• Airway-opening drugs
• Calcium channel blockers (heart and blood pressure medications)
• Charcoal tablets
• Digestive enzyme preparations
• Digoxin
• Estrogens
• Isoniazid
• Major tranquilizers
• Nicotinic acid
• Oral contraceptives
• Phenytoin
• Steroid medications
• Thyroid medications
• Water pills (diuretics)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Precose during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Since studies suggest the importance of maintaining normal blood sugar levels during pregnancy, your doctor may prescribe injected insulin. It is not known whether Precose appears in breast milk. Because many drugs do appear in breast milk, you should not take Precose while breastfeeding.

Recommended dosage for Precose

ADULTS

The recommended starting dose of Precose is 25 milligrams (half of a 50-milligram tablet) 3 times a day, taken with the first bite of each main meal. Some people need to work up to this dose gradually and start with 25 milligrams only once a day. Your doctor will adjust your dosage at 4- to 8-week intervals, based on blood tests and your individual response to Precose. The doctor may increase the medication to 50 milligrams 3 times a day or, if needed, 100 milligrams 3 times a day. You should not take more than this amount. If you weigh less than 132 pounds, the maximum dosage is 50 milligrams 3 times a day.

If you are also taking another oral antidiabetic medication or insulin and you show signs of low blood sugar, your doctor will adjust the dosage of both medications.

CHILDREN

Safety and effectiveness of Precose in children have not been established.

Overdosage

An overdose of Precose alone will not cause low blood sugar. However, it may cause a temporary increase in gas, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. These symptoms usually disappear quickly. However, in the event of an overdose, do not take any carbohydrate drinks or meals until the symptoms have passed.