What is miglitol?
Miglitol delays the digestion of carbohydrates (forms of sugar) in your body. This decreases the amount of sugar that passes into your blood after a meal and prevents periods of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
Miglitol is used to treat non-insulin-dependent (Type II) diabetes mellitus.
Miglitol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about miglitol?
Take each dose of miglitol with the first bite of a main meal.
Know the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar, which include headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, and, nausea. Carry glucose tablets, paste, or another glucose or dextrose substance to treat episodes of low blood sugar.
Who should not take miglitol?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
an inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Chron's disease; or any other disease of the stomach or intestines;
ulcers of the colon;
a blockage or obstruction in your intestines; or
kidney disease.
You may not be able to take miglitol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Call your doctor if you develop a fever or an infection, or if you experience a serious injury. You may require insulin for a period of time to control your blood sugar levels.
Miglitol is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not take miglitol without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
Miglitol passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take miglitol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.