Meglitinides help the pancreas produce insulin and are often called "short-acting secretagogues." Their mode of action is original, affecting potassium channels. By closing the potassium channels of the pancreatic beta cells, they open the calcium channels, hence enhancing insulin exocytosis.
They are taken with meals to boost the insulin response to each meal.
- repaglinide (Prandin) - The maximum dosage is 16 mg/day, taken 0 to 30
minutes before meals. If a meal is skipped, the medication is also skipped.
- nateglinide (Starlix) - The maximum dosage is 360 mg/day, usually 120 mg
three times a day (TID). It also follows the same recommendations as repaglinide.
Adverse reactions include weight gain and hypoglycemia.