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Dr. Aditya Shah
Expert In Clinical Pharmacology And Drug SafetyView moreAbout Glinate 120 Mg
Glinate 120 Mg is the medication for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The primary function of the drug is to keep check on the sudden rise in blood sugar levels, especially after a meal. Glinate 120 Mg is categorized in medicine as meglitinides or glinides. But alone depending on the medication doesn’t yield best control over rising blood sugar levels.
Along with Glinate 120 Mg, doctors usually advise regular exercise and dietary restrictions for better results. The drug primarily functions on the pancreatic regions responsible for the production of insulin, to breakdown glucose.
Active Ingredient In Glinate 120 Mg
The active or major ingredient in Glinate 120 Mg is Nateglinide. As per components and chemical structure, it is quite different than other diabetic medicines. But the way it works, and location of action is similar.
How Glinate 120 Mg Works For Blood Sugar Control
So, blood sugar levels are controlled by ensuring sufficient production of insulin so that glucose doesn’t get deposited or stored, rather it gets broken down instantly. Glinate 120 Mg or any antidiabetic medicine works to stimulate pancreas, to ensure adequate production of insulin.
- Mechanism of Action: The key ingredient of the drug, acts on the beta cells of pancreas where it suppresses potassium channels. This suppression leads to high influx of calcium and cell depolarization. This in turn releases insulin granules in the blood.
- Meal Dependency: The most effective way of obtaining benefits from this drug, is to take it before any meal or along with the meal. After the meal or during the meal when the glucose levels suddenly spikes, the newly insulin secreted jumps into action. This also helps in training the initial and usual insulin action which is lost in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.
Benefits Of Using Glinate 120 Mg
- Post-Meal Control: The sudden glucose spikes generally observed after a meal is controlled effectively. In type 2 diabetes patients this post meal spike can lead to fatal situations such as fainting if not controlled.
- Prevention of Complications: By ensuring normal blood sugar levels, the drug keeps away certain kidney and liver complications. Also ensuring better heart health, stable blood circulation, preventing nerve damage and vision improvement.
- Lower Hypoglycemia Risk: The primary action of the drug is to keep check post meal glucose spikes. Hence its action is short lived (3 to 4 hours) unlike other antidiabetic medicines that remain in bloodstream throughout the day, thus increasing chances of very low blood sugar levels. Thus, with Glinate 120 Mg this possibility of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar level is prevented.
- No Weight Gain: Other antidiabetic medicines are often seen to cause weight gain.
How To Take Glinate 120 Mg Properly
- When to take: Ideally, for best control of blood sugar level consume the drug approx. 30 minutes before the meal. Taking the drug along or after the meal reduces effectiveness.
- How to take: Like most other tablets, consume the tablet by swallowing with water. In any circumstances avoid beverages, juices or any other drink except water. The tablet is not to be chewed, broken or disintegrated into pieces. Broken tablets are not effective, ensure this while storing the drug as well.
Recommended Dosage Guidelines
Dosage is prescribed based on blood sugar level of each patient, existing medications, illnesses and whole lot of factors:
- General Dosage: Initially, 120 mg is prescribed thrice a day, before every meal.
- Lower Dosage: For patients where the situation is not intense, and spikes are not very high, lower dosage of 60 Mg is prescribed.
- Overdose: Overdose is not recommended in any situation, it can lead to side effects such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), heavy sweating and weakness.
Possible Side Effects To Know
For majority of the side effects, you would need a visit to doctor’s clinic; they go away in few hours or initial days of medication. Essential side effects are:
- Runny Nose/Sneezing: Avoid eating ice cream too hot or eating too cold food items.
- Hypoglycemia: Eat sweets and pastries to gain sugar levels.
- Diarrhea: Take an ORS throughout the day, if it still persists then refer to the doctor.
- Joint Pain: Avoid any heavy physical tasks, it can increase existing pain. Apply pain relief ointment, before taking any painkiller ask the doctor.
Important Safety Precautions
- Risk of Hypoglycemia: Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels needs to be done by the doctor, or by yourself at home. Hypoglycemia might occur temporarily for few minutes or hours, hence it’s better to carry a sugar candy, bar or any such item.
- Avoid Alcohol: During the medication alcoholic beverages must be avoided, as it can increase changes of low blood sugar level. Besides this it can inflict damage to kidney and liver.
- Avoid Specific conditions: Such patients have poor concentration as their sugar levels keep fluctuation hence, if you feel dizziness or fatigue, then avoid driving immediately after taking the drug.
Who Should Avoid Glinate 120 Mg
- Not for Type 1 Diabetes: The drug shall not be given to type 1 diabetes patients as there the problem is with insulin production.
- Existing Kidney or Liver issues: Patients with existing kidney or liver disorder shall stay away from the drug. Tell the doctor about it at the time of checkup, in some cases with dose adjustment the drug is given.
- Pregnancy Restrictions: Pregnant and breastfeeding women can face issues, as the medicine can be transmitted to the infant.
Tips For Better Diabetes Management
- Regular Exercise: Ensure regular exercise along with medication for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Foods to Avoid: Avoid high cholesterol and processed foods. Go for whole grains, raw fruits instead of fruit juice.
- Care mental Health: Include yoga and meditation to maintain mental health, stable blood flow and better mood.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Ideal room temperature less than 30 and more than 15 degree Celsius is best.
- Direct Sunlight: Ensure direct sunlight doesn’t reach the tablet. A mild dark room is preferred.
FAQs
Q. Can I Take Glinate 120 Mg If I’m Not Planning To Eat?
If you are skipping the meal, skip the tablet as well. This drug is to be taken before a full meal.
Q. Does Glinate 120 Mg Contain Metformin?
The drug doesn’t contain Metformin; it only contains Nateglinide.
Q. Will This Medicine Make Me Gain Weight?
Weight gain is one of the side effects, but in case of Glinate 120 Mg weight gain is very rare.
