.
Repaglinide is used to treat individuals with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus; it is in the meglitinide class of anti-diabetic drugs. It may be used as an adjunct to diet and exercise either alone or in combination with other anti-diabetic medications.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Vitamin B3
(niacin)
Supplementation with large amounts of niacin (also called nicotinic acid) can increase blood
glucose levels in diabetics, which might interfere with
the blood-sugar-lowering effects of repaglinide.1 The form of vitamin B3 known as
niacinamide does not have this effect. People who start or stop supplementing niacin while on
repaglinide should carefully monitor their blood sugar levels and consult their prescribing
doctor about making adjustments in the daily amount of drug taken.
Interactions with Herbs
Willow (Salix
alba)
Willow bark contains salicin, which is related to aspirin.
Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to
salicylic acid in the body. Taking aspirin together with repaglinide enhances the
blood-sugar-lowering effects of the drug,2 which might result in unwanted side
effects. Controlled research is needed to determine whether taking willow bark together with
repaglinide might produce similar effects.
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
Taking repaglinide with food can result in decreased absorption of the drug.3
Consequently, to achieve the best results, repaglinide should be taken on an empty
stomach.
Summary of Interactions for Repaglinide
| Depletion or interference | None known |
|---|---|
| Adverse interaction | Willow* |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | None known |
| Supportive interaction | None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | None known |
| Other (see text) | Vitamin B3 |
For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
References:
1. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2071–3.
2. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2071–3.
3. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2071–3.
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