Nateglinide is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called meglitinides. Nateglinide works by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin, which helps lower blood sugar levels. It is taken orally, usually before meals. Common side effects include nausea, headache, and dizziness. Serious side effects include chest pain, trouble breathing, and low blood sugar. Nateglinide should be used with caution in people with kidney or liver disease.
Nateglinide is a prescription medication used to help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Here's a breakdown of its key points:
- Category: Nateglinide belongs to a class of medications called meglitinides [1, 2].
- Function: It works by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin, a hormone that helps your body absorb glucose (sugar) from the blood [1, 2]. This helps lower blood sugar levels.
How it's Used:
- Nateglinide is typically taken orally before meals, one to three times a day [2, 3].
- It's often used in combination with other diabetes medications, such as metformin, to achieve optimal blood sugar control [2].
Important Considerations:
- Not for type 1 diabetes: Nateglinide is not effective for treating type 1 diabetes, which is caused by the body's inability to produce insulin [2].
- Blood sugar monitoring: While taking Nateglinide, it's crucial to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly as instructed by your doctor [2, 3].
- Potential side effects: Nateglinide can cause side effects like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), stomach pain, diarrhea, and headache [2, 3].
Here are some additional points to remember:
- Not a substitute for healthy lifestyle: Nateglinide is a medication to help manage diabetes, but it's not a replacement for a healthy diet and regular exercise [2].
- Individual needs: The appropriate dosage of Nateglinide will vary depending on your individual needs and response to the medication. Your doctor will determine the most suitable dosage for you [3].
- Potential interactions: Nateglinide can interact with other medications. Be sure to disclose all medications you take to your doctor [2].
Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification
A - Alimentary tract and metabolism
A10 Drugs used in diabetes
A10B - Blood glucose lowering drugs, excluding insulins
A10BX Other blood glucose lowering drugs, excluding insulins
ATC Code
External Links
Nateglinide