Miglitol (patient information)

Why is this medication prescribed
Miglitol is used, alone or with other drugs, to treat type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood), particularly in people whose diabetes cannot be controlled by diet alone. It slows the breakdown and absorption of table sugar and other complex sugars in the small intestine. This process results in decreased blood sugar (hypoglycemia) levels following meals.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used
Miglitol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken three times a day with the first bite of a meal. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take miglitol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow
Miglitol is used in combination with proper diet and exercise to control blood sugar. Skipping or delaying meals or exercising more than usual may cause your blood sugar to fall too low (hypoglycemia). Maintaining the diet and exercise program suggested by your doctor will ensure that the drug works properly.

Alcohol may cause a decrease in blood sugar. Ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking miglitol.

What should I do if I forget a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. Remember that miglitol should only be taken with a meal. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side Effects
When used in combination with insulin or other medications used to treat diabetes, miglitol may cause excessive lowering of blood sugar levels.

Mild Side Effects
''If you have any of the following symptoms, glucose products (Insta-Glucose or B-D Glucose tablets) should be used and you should call your doctor. Because miglitol blocks the breakdown of table sugar and other complex sugars, fruit juice or other products containing these sugars will not help to increase blood sugar. It is important that you and other members of your household understand this difference between miglitol and other medications used to treat diabetes.''


 * shakiness
 * dizziness or lightheadedness
 * sweating
 * nervousness or irritability
 * sudden changes in behavior or mood
 * headache
 * numbness or tingling around the mouth
 * weakness
 * pale skin
 * hunger
 * clumsy or jerky movements

Severe Side Effects
''If hypoglycemia is not treated, severe symptoms may develop. Be sure that your family, friends, and other people who spend time with you know that if you have any of the following symptoms, they should get medical treatment for you immediately.''


 * confusion
 * seizures
 * loss of consciousness

Call your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar):


 * extreme thirst
 * frequent urination
 * extreme hunger
 * weakness
 * blurred vision

''If high blood sugar is not treated, a serious, life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis could develop. Call your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms:''


 * dry mouth
 * upset stomach and vomiting
 * shortness of breath
 * breath that smells fruity
 * decreased consciousness

''Miglitol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:''
 * gas
 * diarrhea
 * stomach pain
 * skin rash

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood sugar should be checked regularly to determine your response to miglitol. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to miglitol. Your doctor will also tell you how to check your response to this medication by measuring your blood or urine sugar levels at home. Follow these instructions carefully.

You should always wear a diabetic identification bracelet to be sure you get proper treatment in an emergency.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

 * GlysetÂ®