Glyset Side Effects

Generic name: miglitol

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 26, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about miglitol. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Glyset.

Applies to miglitol: oral tablet.

Other side effects of Glyset

Some side effects of miglitol (the active ingredient contained in Glyset) may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Bloated full feeling
excess air or gas in stomach or intestines
increase in bowel movements
loose stools
passing gas
soft stools
stomach or abdomen pain

Less common

Skin rash

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to miglitol: oral tablet.

General

The most commonly reported adverse reactions include gastrointestinal symptoms; they tend to diminish in frequency and intensity with time.

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Flatulence (41.5%), diarrhea (28.7%), abdominal pain (11.7%)

Postmarketing reports: Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (may present with symptoms of diarrhea, mucus discharge, rectal bleeding, and constipation), ileus (including paralytic ileus), subileus, gastrointestinal pain, nausea, abdominal distention.^[Ref]

The severity of gastrointestinal symptoms may be decreased by dosage reduction and avoiding high gas-producing foods and sucrose. Some studies have demonstrated a decrease in the severity of gastrointestinal effects over time with continued administration.^[Ref]