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Repaglinide (Monograph)

Drug class: Meglitinides
- Glinides
ATC class: A10BX02
VA class: HS502
Chemical name: (S)-2-Ethoxy-4-[2-[[methyl-1-[2-(1-piperidinyl)-phenyl]butyl]amino]-2-oxoethyl]-benzoic acid
CAS number: 135062-02-1

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 12, 2023. Written by ASHP.

Introduction

Antidiabetic agent; meglitinide (glinide) derivative.

Uses for Repaglinide

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Also has been used in combination with metformin and/or other antidiabetic agents for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Glinides (e.g., nateglinide, repaglinide) generally not preferred as second-line therapy by some experts after failure of metformin monotherapy because of their lower effectiveness and comparatively limited clinical data; however, may be appropriate choices in selected patients.

Current guidelines for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus generally recommend metformin as first-line therapy in addition to lifestyle modifications in patients with recent-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus or mild hyperglycemia because of its well-established safety and efficacy (e.g., beneficial effects on glycosylated hemoglobin [hemoglobin A1c; HbA1c], weight, and cardiovascular mortality).

In patients with metformin contraindications or intolerance (e.g., risk of lactic acidosis, GI intolerance), some experts suggest that initial therapy with a drug from another class of antidiabetic agents (e.g., a glucagon-like peptide-1 [GLP-1] receptor agonist, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 [SGLT2] inhibitor, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 [DPP-4] inhibitor, sulfonylurea, thiazolidinedione, basal insulin) based on patient factors.

May need to initiate therapy with 2 agents (e.g., metformin plus another drug) in patients with high initial HbA1c (>7.5% or ≥1.5% above target). In such patients with metformin intolerance, some experts suggest initiation of therapy with 2 drugs with complementary mechanisms of action from other antidiabetic drug classes.

Consider early initiation of combination therapy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus to extend the time to treatment failure and more rapidly attain glycemic goals.

For patients with inadequate glycemic control on metformin monotherapy, consider patient comorbidities (e.g., atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease [ASCVD], established kidney disease, heart failure), hypoglycemia risk, impact on weight, cost, risk of adverse effects, and patient preferences when selecting additional antidiabetic agents for combination therapy.

Consider early introduction of insulin for severe hyperglycemia (e.g., blood glucose ≥300 mg/dL or HbA1c >9–10%), especially if accompanied by catabolic manifestations (e.g., weight loss, hypertriglyceridemia, ketosis) or symptoms of hyperglycemia.

Should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Repaglinide Dosage and Administration

General

Administration

Oral Administration

Generally, instruct patients to take within 30 minutes before meals. Administration with food may affect extent of absorption. (See Food under Pharmacokinetics.)

Pre-meal doses may enhance glycemic control compared with twice-daily dosing at breakfast and dinner using the same total daily dosage.

If a meal is skipped or added, skip or add a dose, respectively, for that meal.

Dosage

Adults

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Oral

Initially, 0.5 mg (the minimum effective dosage) preprandially 2–4 times daily (depending on meal patterns) in patients not previously treated with oral antidiabetic agents or in those who have relatively good glycemic control (i.e., glycosylated hemoglobin <8%).

Patients with glycosylated hemoglobin ≥8% despite treatment with other oral antidiabetic agents: Initially, 1 or 2 mg with or preceding each meal.

Approximately 90% of maximal glucose-lowering effect is achieved with dosage of 1 mg 3 times daily.

May double dosage at no less than weekly intervals until desired fasting blood glucose concentration (e.g., 80–140 mg/dL with infrequent hypoglycemic episodes) is achieved or maximum daily dosage of 16 mg (e.g., 4 mg four times daily depending on meal patterns) is attained.

Safety and efficacy of higher dosages (8–20 mg 3–4 times daily before meals) not established.

Prescribing Limits

Adults

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Oral

Maximum daily dosage of 16 mg (e.g., 4 mg four times daily depending on meal patterns) recommended by manufacturer; higher dosages have been used. (See Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus under Dosage and Administration.)

Special Populations

Renal Impairment

Mild to moderate renal dysfunction: No adjustment in initial dosage necessary. May administer usual initial dosage but use caution with subsequent dosage increases.

Severe renal impairment (e.g., Clcr 20–40 mL/minute): Initiate dosage of 0.5 mg daily and titrate carefully.

Use not established in patients with Clcr <20 mL/minute or those with renal failure requiring hemodialysis.

Hepatic Impairment

Use with caution. Manufacturer recommends same initial dosage used in patients with normal hepatic function, but should make subsequent dosage adjustments at longer than usual intervals (e.g., 3 months) to allow full assessment of response. Some clinicians suggest lower initial dosage in patients with hepatic impairment.

Patients Receiving Interacting Drugs

Concomitant administration of repaglinide and strong CYP2C8 or CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers may require dosage adjustments (see Drugs or Foods Affecting Hepatic Microsomal Enzymes under Interactions); concomitant repaglinide and gemfibrozil contraindicated. (See Specific Drugs and Foods under Interactions.)

Avoid concomitant repaglinide and clopidogrel; if unable to avoid concomitant use, limit initial repaglinide dosage to 0.5 mg preprandially and do not exceed total daily dosage of 4 mg. (See Specific Drugs and Foods under Interactions.)

With concomitant cyclosporine, do not exceed total daily repaglinide dosage of 6 mg. (See Specific Drugs and Foods under Interactions.)

Cautions for Repaglinide

Contraindications

Warnings/Precautions

Hypoglycemia

Potential for hypoglycemia. Debilitated, malnourished, or geriatric patients and those with hepatic or severe renal impairment or adrenal or pituitary insufficiency may be particularly susceptible. Strenuous exercise, alcohol ingestion, insufficient caloric intake, or use in combination with other antidiabetic agents may increase risk.

Hypoglycemia may be difficult to recognize in geriatric patients or in those receiving β-adrenergic blocking agents. Increased risk of serious hypoglycemia in patients with hepatic failure, who may have reduced clearance of repaglinide and diminished gluconeogenic capacity.

Appropriate patient selection, patient education, and careful attention to dosage are important to avoid hypoglycemic episodes.

Combination Therapy with Isophane (NPH) Insulin

Myocardial ischemia was observed in a few patients receiving repaglinide in combination with NPH insulin in clinical trials, and the manufacturer states that repaglinide is not indicated for use in combination with NPH insulin.

Macrovascular Outcomes

The manufacturer states that there have been no clinical studies establishing conclusive evidence of macrovascular risk reduction with repaglinide.

Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Limited data suggest no apparent drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes with repaglinide use during pregnancy. Abnormal maternal blood glucose concentrations during pregnancy may be associated with a higher incidence of congenital abnormalities.

Most experts recommend use of insulin during pregnancy.

Lactation

Distributed into milk in rats; not known whether distributed into human milk.

Discontinue nursing or the drug.

Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy of repaglinide in children <18 years of age not established. However, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) states that most pediatric diabetologists use oral antidiabetic agents in children with type 2 diabetes mellitus because of greater patient compliance and convenience for the patient’s family.

Geriatric Use

Safety and efficacy appear to be similar in geriatric and younger patients except for the expected age-related increase in cardiovascular morbidity observed with repaglinide and other comparative oral antidiabetic agents. (See Absorption: Special Populations under Pharmacokinetics.) No increase in frequency and severity of hypoglycemia in geriatric versus younger patients receiving repaglinide.

Individualize antidiabetic therapy when implementing strict glycemic control considering advanced age, comorbid conditions, preexisting clinically relevant microvascular and macrovascular complications or other vascular risk factors, degree of hyperglycemia, and life expectancy.

Hepatic Impairment

Use with caution.

Renal Impairment

Use with caution.

Common Adverse Effects

Hypoglycemia, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, arthralgia, sinusitis, nausea, diarrhea, back pain.

Drug Interactions

Metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP2C8 to inactive metabolites.

Appears to be a substrate for organic anion-transporting protein (OATP) 1B1.

Drugs or Foods Affecting Hepatic Microsomal Enzymes

Inhibitors of CYP3A4 or CYP2C8: Potential pharmacokinetic interaction (increased repaglinide AUC and peak plasma concentrations). Close monitoring of blood glucose concentrations suggested. (See Specific Drugs and Foods under Interactions.)

Inducers of CYP3A4 or CYP2C8: Potential pharmacokinetic interaction (decreased repaglinide AUC and peak plasma concentrations). Close monitoring of blood glucose concentrations suggested. (See Specific Drugs and Foods under Interactions.)

Drugs Affecting Transport Systems

OATP 1B1 inhibitors: Potential pharmacokinetic interaction (increased repaglinide concentrations).

Protein-bound Drugs

Potential pharmacokinetic interaction with other protein-bound drugs (increased free repaglinide concentrations due to displacement from plasma protein binding sites by other drugs). Conversely, repaglinide could displace other protein-bound drugs from binding sites.

Observe patient for evidence of hypoglycemia or loss of glycemic control when other protein-bound drugs are initiated or withdrawn, respectively, in patients receiving repaglinide.

Specific Drugs and Foods

Drug or Food

Interaction

Comments

ACE inhibitors

May increase the risk of hypoglycemia

May require decreased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

β-Adrenergic blocking agents

Potential for displacement of repaglinide and/or β-adrenergic blocking agents from plasma proteins

May blunt signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia

Observe for evidence of hypoglycemia or loss of glycemic control when β-adrenergic blocker is added to therapy or withdrawn

May require increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Angiotensin II receptor antagonists

May increase the risk of hypoglycemia

May require decreased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Antidiabetic agents

May increase the risk of hypoglycemia

May require decreased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Antifungal agents, azole (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole)

May increase the risk of hypoglycemia

Itraconazole: Increases of 1.4- and 1.5-fold in repaglinide AUC and peak plasma concentration, respectively, due to CYP3A4 inhibition by itraconazole

Ketoconazole: Increases of 15 and 16% in repaglinide AUC and peak plasma concentration, respectively, due to CYP3A4 inhibition by ketoconazole

Itraconazole and gemfibrozil: Increases of 19- and 2.8-fold in repaglinide AUC and peak plasma concentration, respectively (see Fibrates [e.g., gemfibrozil] entry in this table)

May require decreased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Antipsychotics, atypical (e.g., clozapine, olanzapine)

May decrease the blood glucose-lowering effect of repaglinide

May require increased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Antiretroviral agents (HIV protease inhibitors)

Potential inhibition of repaglinide metabolism

May decrease the blood glucose-lowering effect of repaglinide

May require repaglinide dosage adjustment and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Barbiturates

Potential for increased repaglinide metabolism due to CYP3A4 and/or CYP2C8 induction

May require increased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Calcium-channel blocking agents

May decrease the blood glucose-lowering effect of repaglinide

May cause hyperglycemia and exacerbate glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus

Observe for evidence of altered glycemic control when a calcium-channel blocker is added to therapy or discontinued

May require increased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Carbamazepine

Potential for increased repaglinide metabolism due to CYP3A4 and/or CYP2C8 induction

May require increased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Chloramphenicol

Potential for displacement of repaglinide and/or chloramphenicol from plasma proteins

Observe for evidence of hypoglycemia or loss of glycemic control when chloramphenicol is added to therapy or discontinued

Cimetidine

No appreciable effect on repaglinide pharmacokinetics

Clarithromycin

Increased AUC and peak plasma concentration of repaglinide due to CYP3A4 inhibition

May require decreased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Clonidine

May blunt signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia

May require increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Clopidogrel

Increases repaglinide exposures by 3.9- to 5.1-fold

Avoid concomitant use; if concomitant use unavoidable, do not exceed initial repaglinide dosage of 0.5 mg before each meal and total daily dosage of 4 mg

May require increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Corticosteroids

May decrease the blood glucose-lowering effect of repaglinide and exacerbate glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus

Observe closely for evidence of altered glycemic control when corticosteroid is added to therapy or discontinued

May require increased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Cyclosporine

Increased repaglinide AUC and peak plasma concentration by 2.5- and 1.8-fold, respectively

Do not exceed maximum daily repaglinide dosage of 6 mg; increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required

Danazol

May decrease the blood glucose-lowering effect of repaglinide

May require increased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Deferasirox

Increased repaglinide AUC and peak plasma concentration by 2.3-fold and 62%, respectively

May require decreased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Digoxin

No clinically relevant effect on digoxin pharmacokinetics

Disopyramide

May increase the risk of hypoglycemia

May require decreased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Diuretics (e.g., thiazides)

May cause hyperglycemia and exacerbate glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus

May decrease the blood glucose-lowering effect of repaglinide

Observe closely for evidence of altered glycemic control when thiazides or other diuretics are added to therapy or discontinued

May require increased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Erythromycin

Potential inhibition of repaglinide metabolism due to CYP3A4 inhibition

May require decreased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Estrogens

May decrease the blood glucose-lowering effect of repaglinide

May require increased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Fibrates (e.g., gemfibrozil)

May increase the risk of hypoglycemia

Gemfibrozil: Increased repaglinide AUC and peak plasma concentration by 8.1-fold and 2.4-fold, respectively

Fenofibrate: Concomitant use did not substantially affect repaglinide AUC or peak plasma concentration

May require decreased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring when fibrates coadministered

Gemfibrozil: Concomitant therapy contraindicated

Fluoxetine

May increase the risk of hypoglycemia

May require decreased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Furosemide

In vitro evidence that furosemide decreases the protein binding of repaglinide and increases free circulating repaglinide concentrations

Interaction not thought to be clinically important

Glucagon

May decrease the blood glucose-lowering effect of repaglinide

May require increased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Grapefruit juice

Potential inhibition of repaglinide metabolism; may increase the risk of hypoglycemia

Limited data suggest interaction unlikely to be clinically important

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (e.g., simvastatin)

Potential for displacement of repaglinide and/or certain statins from plasma proteins

Also, increased peak plasma repaglinide concentrations with concomitant simvastatin

Observe closely for evidence of hypoglycemia or loss of glycemic control when certain statins added to therapy or discontinued

Isoniazid

May decrease the blood glucose-lowering effect of repaglinide

May require increased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

MAO inhibitors

May increase the risk of hypoglycemia

May require decreased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Montelukast

Montelukast known to inhibit CYP2C8 in vitro; however, no substantial effect on repaglinide pharmacokinetics noted in healthy individuals

Manufacturer states that decreased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required

Niacin

May decrease the blood glucose-lowering effect of repaglinide

May require increased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Nifedipine

No clinically relevant effect on nifedipine pharmacokinetics

Close observation for hypoglycemia or loss or glycemic control suggested when nifedipine is added to therapy or discontinued

NSAIAs (e.g., salicylates)

May increase the risk of hypoglycemia

May require decreased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Oral contraceptives (e.g., ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel/

May decrease the blood glucose-lowering effect of repaglinide

May require increased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Pentoxifylline

May increase the risk of hypoglycemia

May require decreased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Phenothiazines

May decrease the blood glucose-lowering effect of repaglinide

May require increased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Phenytoin

May cause hyperglycemia and exacerbate glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus

Observe closely for evidence of altered glycemic control when phenytoin added to therapy or discontinued

Pramlintide

May increase the risk of hypoglycemia

May require decreased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Probenecid

Potential for displacement of repaglinide and/or probenecid from plasma proteins

Observe closely for evidence of hypoglycemia or loss of glycemic control when probenecid added to therapy or discontinued

Progestogens (e.g., in oral contraceptives)

May decrease the blood glucose-lowering effect of repaglinide

May require increased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Rifampin

Decrease in rifampin AUC and peak blood concentration due to CYP3A4 and/or CYP2C8 induction

May require increased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide)

May increase the risk of hypoglycemia

May require decreased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Somatropin

May decrease the blood glucose-lowering effect of repaglinide

May require increased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Sulfonamide antibiotics

May increase the risk of hypoglycemia

May require decreased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Sympathomimetics (e.g., albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline)

May decrease the blood glucose-lowering effect of repaglinide

May require increased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Theophylline

No clinically relevant effect on theophylline pharmacokinetics

Thyroid preparations

May decrease the blood glucose-lowering effect of repaglinide

May require increased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Tolbutamide

In vitro evidence that tolbutamide decreases the protein binding of repaglinide

Interaction not thought to be clinically important

Trimethoprim

Increased repaglinide AUC and peak plasma concentration due to CYP2C8 inhibition

May require decreased repaglinide dosage and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring

Warfarin

Pharmacokinetic interaction not observed, but in vitro evidence suggests that warfarin decreases the protein binding of repaglinide

In vitro interaction not thought to be clinically relevant

Repaglinide Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Bioavailability

Approximately 56% (absolute).

Peak plasma drug concentrations attained within approximately 1 hour.

Onset

Peak serum insulin concentrations achieved in approximately 1.5 hours. Maximum glycemic effect within 3–3.5 hours. Most of the hypoglycemic effect occurs within 1–3 weeks.

Duration

Plasma insulin concentrations remain elevated for 4 hours after each meal in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus; return toward premeal concentrations between meals and at bedtime.

Food

Food may delay and reduce the extent of GI absorption. Administration with a high-fat meal slightly reduces peak plasma concentration and AUC but not time to peak concentration; reduction not clinically important.

Special Populations

Greater systemic exposure (as determined by peak plasma concentrations and AUCs) to repaglinide in patients with hepatic impairment.

Increases in plasma concentrations and AUC of repaglinide in patients with severe renal impairment (Clcr 20–40 mL/minute). Such alterations not found in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment.

No pharmacokinetic differences (peak plasma concentration, AUC) observed in geriatric individuals (≥65 years of age) compared with healthy younger individuals.

Distribution

Extent

Distributes into erythrocytes.

Distributes into milk in rats; not known whether distributed into human milk.

Plasma Protein Binding

>98%.

Elimination

Metabolism

Rapidly metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP2C8 to inactive metabolites.

Elimination Route

Extensively metabolized in liver and excreted into bile and feces (90%) as metabolites.

Small amount excreted in urine (8%) principally as metabolites.

Does not appear to be removed by hemodialysis.

Half-life

About 1 hour.

Special Populations

In patients with hepatic impairment, elimination of unbound repaglinide reduced compared with that in healthy individuals.

Stability

Storage

Oral

Tablets

Well-closed containers at ≤25°C; protect from moisture. Stable for at least 12 months in the original container at 25°C and 60% relative humidity.

Actions

Advice to Patients

Preparations

Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.

Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.

* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name

Repaglinide

Routes

Dosage Forms

Strengths

Brand Names

Manufacturer

Oral

Tablets

0.5 mg*

Repaglinide Tablets

1 mg*

Repaglinide Tablets

2 mg*

Repaglinide Tablets

AHFS DI Essentials™. © Copyright 2024, Selected Revisions June 21, 2021. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.

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