What is Miglitol?

Miglitol delays the digestion of carbohydrates (forms of sugar) in your body. This decreases the amount of sugar that passes into your blood after a meal and prevents periods of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
Miglitol is used to treat non-insulin-dependent (Type II) diabetes mellitus.
Miglitol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Miglitol?

Take each dose of miglitol with the first bite of a main meal.
Know the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar, which include headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, and, nausea. Carry glucose tablets, paste, or another glucose or dextrose substance to treat episodes of low blood sugar.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Miglitol?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• an inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Chron’s disease; or any other disease of the stomach or intestines
• ulcers of the colon
• a blockage or obstruction in your intestines; or
• kidney disease

You may not be able to take miglitol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Call your doctor if you develop a fever or an infection, or if you experience a serious injury. You may require insulin for a period of time to control your blood sugar levels.
Miglitol is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not take miglitol without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
Miglitol passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take miglitol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Miglitol Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Miglitol?

Stop taking miglitol and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects, are more likely to occur. Continue to take miglitol and talk to your doctor if you experience

• abdominal pain,
• diarrhea,
• flatulence, or
• a rash

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Miglitol Interactions

What other drugs affect Miglitol?

Digestive-enzyme supplements such as pancreatin (amylase, protease, lipase) in products such as Arco-Lase, Cotazym, Donnazyme, Pancrease, Creon, Ku-Zyme, and others may decrease the effects of miglitol. These medications should not be taken at the same time as miglitol.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• propranolol (Inderal)
• ranitidine (Zantac, Zantac 75)
• digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps),
• another diabetes medicine such as glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta, Glynase), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), metformin (Glucophage), and others
• a thiazide diuretic (water pill) such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Hydrodiuril, others), chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), indapamide (Lozol), and others
• a steroid medication such as prednisone (Deltasone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and others
• an estrogen (Premarin, Ogen, and others) or an estrogen-containing birth control pill
• a thyroid medication (Synthroid, Levoxyl, and others)
• phenytoin (Dilantin); or
• a calcium channel blocker such as verapamil (Calan, Verelan, Isoptin), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR), nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat), and others

The drugs listed above may interact with miglitol or affect blood sugar levels. You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with miglitol or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

What should I avoid while taking Miglitol?

Follow your doctor’s diet and exercise recommendations to help control your blood sugar levels.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may affect your blood sugar levels.

Miglitol Dosage

How should I take Miglitol?

Take miglitol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Take each dose with the first bite of a main meal.
Store miglitol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Miglitol?

Seek emergency medical attention.
An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. Symptoms of an overdose are unknown, but stomach pain, gas, bloating, and diarrhea might be expected.

What happens if I miss a dose of Miglitol?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
Edited from everydayhealth.com