Prandin is used for:

Managing type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. It is used in addition to diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in adults who cannot manage with diet, exercise, or diabetic medications alone. It may be used with other diabetes medicines.

Prandin is a meglitinide antidiabetic. It works to lower blood glucose (sugar) by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas gland. Prandin does not work in type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes, because in this condition the pancreas gland is not capable of making or releasing insulin.

Do NOT use Prandin if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Prandin
you have type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes) or have elevated ketone levels due to diabetes
you are also taking gemfibrozil

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Prandin :

Some medical conditions may interact with Prandin . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have a history of acidosis, kidney disease, or liver disease

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Prandin . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Rifampin because it may decrease Prandin 's effectiveness
Beta blockers (eg, propranolol), gemfibrozil, imidazoles (eg, ketoconazole), macrolides and ketolides (eg, erythromycin, azithromycin), monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (eg, phenelzine), quinolones (eg, ciprofloxacin), or salicylates (eg, aspirin) because the risk of side effects, such as low blood sugar, may be increased
Insulin because it may increase the risk of Prandin 's side effects

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Prandin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Prandin :

Use Prandin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Take Prandin by mouth at least 15 to 30 minutes before each meal. If you skip a meal, do not take the dose for the skipped meal. If you add an extra meal, take an extra dose with that meal.
If you miss a dose of Prandin , skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Prandin .

Important safety information:

Fever, injury, infection, or surgery may affect your diabetes control. If any of these occur, check with your doctor.
Diabetes patients - Carry an ID card at all times that says you have diabetes. Check your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor. If they are often higher than they should be and you take Prandin exactly as prescribed, tell your doctor.
Diabetes patients - Prandin may lower your blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar may make you anxious, sweaty, weak, dizzy, drowsy, or faint. It may also make your heart beat faster; make your vision change; give you a headache, chills, or tremors; or make you more hungry. It is a good idea to carry a reliable source of glucose (eg, tablets or gel) to treat low blood sugar. If this is not available, you should eat or drink a quick source of sugar like table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non-diet soda. This will raise your blood sugar level quickly. Tell your doctor right away if this happens. To prevent low blood sugar, eat meals at the same time each day and do not skip meals.
Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider.
Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Prandin before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
Lab tests, such as liver and kidney function tests, fasting blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin, or complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you take Prandin . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of taking Prandin while you are pregnant. It is not known if Prandin is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while you are taking Prandin .

Possible side effects of Prandin :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Changes in vision; diarrhea; headache; increased heartbeat; increased hunger; joint or back pain; nasal or chest congestion; nervousness; sinus inflammation; sweating; tiredness; tremor.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain.