Glyset (Miglitol) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 10, 2012

Glyset

Oral Diabetes Prescription Medications »

What are oral diabetes medications and how do they work?

Insulin is a hormone produced by cells in the pancreas called beta cells. Insulin helps the body use blood glucose (a type of sugar) for energy. People with type 2 diabetes do not make enough insulin and/or their bodies do not respond well to it, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Oral diabetes medications bring blood sugar levels into the normal range through a variety of ways.

For what conditions are diabetes pills used?

Oral diabetes medications are only used to treat type 2 or non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Patients with type 1 diabetes are dependent on insulin for their treatment.

Are there differences among types of oral diabetes medications?

Medications that increase insulin production

The earliest oral diabetes drugs were the sulfonylureas. These work by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insu...

Read the Oral Diabetes Prescription Medications article »

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Glyset

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Glyset®
(miglitol) Tablets

For Oral Use

DRUG DESCRIPTION

GLYSET Tablets contain miglitol, an oral alpha-glucosidase inhibitor for use in the management of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Miglitol is a desoxynojirimycin derivative, and is chemically known as 3,4,5-piperidinetriol, 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-, [2R-(2α,3β,4α, 5β)]-. It is a white to pale-yellow powder with a molecular weight of 207.2. Miglitol is soluble in water and has a pK_a of 5.9. Its empirical formula is C₈H₁₇NO₅ and its chemical structure is as follows:

Glyset® (miglitol) Structural Formula Illustration

GLYSET (miglitol) is available as 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg tablets for oral use. The inactive ingredients are starch, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, and polysorbate 80.

What are the possible side effects of miglitol (Glyset)?

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...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Glyset »

What are the precautions when taking miglitol (Glyset)?

Before taking miglitol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain metabolic condition (diabetic ketoacidosis), intestine/bowel problems (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal blockage, digestion/absorption disorders).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease.

You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low...

Read All Potential Precautions of Glyset »

Last reviewed on RxList: 6/8/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.