NIDDM or type 2 DM, particularly in obese & juvenile diabetics in whom diet alone has failed as monotherapy. Adjunct to diet & exercise to improve glycemic control in patients w/ type II diabetes.
Individualized dosage. Initially 500 mg once daily w/ increments of 500 mg wkly. Max: 2,000 mg daily. Consider trial of 1,000 mg bid if glycemic control is not achieved on 2,000 mg once daily.
Should be taken with food: Take w/ evening meal. Swallow whole, do not chew/crush.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity. Renal or hepatic failure, alcoholism, NIDDM complicated by severe ketosis & acidosis, diabetic precoma & coma. Patients undergoing surgery, after severe trauma or during infections, COPD, CHD, cardiac failure, peripheral vascular disease, hypoglycemia. Pregnancy.