Miglitol is used to treat type 2 diabetes (a long-term condition in which the body gradually becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin).
This medicine helps treat your diabetes by keeping your blood sugar under control.
Miglitol is meant to be taken as part of a complete diabetes care programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Take Miglitol exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine with the first mouthful of each main meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your response to the medication.
Miglitol must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- diabetic ketoacidosis (a complication of diabetes characterised by high level of blood acid in your body)
- inflammatory bowel disease (group of diseases that cause long-term inflammation of the digestive tract)
- blocked bowel
- bowel problems that affect the proper digestion or absorption of food, or conditions that may worsen due to increased gas formation in the bowel
as Miglitol may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have following conditions:
- exposed to stress-related conditions (e.g. fever, trauma, infection)
- severe kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking this medicine.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Miglitol.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Routine tests (e.g. blood sugar level) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
To help control your diabetes, it is important to continue following the diet and exercise recommended by your doctor while you are taking Miglitol.
If you are taking this medicine with other types of anti-diabetic medicines, you may have been warned about hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). This medicine itself does not usually cause hypoglycaemia, but it may increase the hypoglycaemic effect of other oral anti-diabetic medicines.
How do I know if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Hypoglycaemia is the medical term for low blood sugar. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include dizziness, tremor, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weak or confused, and sweating. These signs are your body's way of warning you that your blood sugar level is low.
It is important to recognise these symptoms and get relief for hypoglycaemia quickly, as the hypoglycaemia may worsen.
What should I do if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Always carry some glucose tablets (also known as dextrose tablets) with you. Take 15 grams of glucose tablet at the first sign of hypoglycaemia, wait for 15 minutes and re-check your blood sugar level. If you are not feeling better or if your blood sugar level is still low (less than 4 mmol/L or 70 mg/dL), take another 15 grams of glucose tablet.
If you don't have glucose tablets, you may take any of the following:
- 1/2 cup (120 mL) of juice or regular soda (not diet)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or corn syrup
- hard candies, jellybeans, or gumdrops (not sugar-free)
Get medical help should symptoms not improve after the second serving.
Miglitol may cause any of the following side effects: abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, stomach wind, and rash.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience dizziness, headache, fast heartbeat, shaky hands, feeling hungry, confusion, or sweating.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for diabetes e.g. gliclazide, glimepiride, insulin
- medicines that contain certain enzymes to help digest food e.g. amylase, pancreatin
- digoxin (medicine for heart disease)
- ranitidine (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
- propranolol (medicine for high blood pressure)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Miglitol.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
It is important for you to maintain a healthy diet and weight in order to help keep your diabetes under control.
It may be helpful to discuss your diet plan with your doctor or dietitian to manage your weight and blood sugar levels.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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