Indications of Dilitus 300 mcg
Dilitus 300 mcg is used in diabetes mellitus (DM) for reduction in Post-Prandial Hyperglycaemia (PPHG), only when diet and/or exercise with lifestyle modification or Oral Hypoglycaemic Agents (OHAs) or insulin preparations, in addition to diet and/or exercise, do not result in an adequate glycaemic control ... Read moreDilitus 300 mcg is used in diabetes mellitus (DM) for reduction in Post-Prandial Hyperglycaemia (PPHG), only when diet and/or exercise with lifestyle modification or Oral Hypoglycaemic Agents (OHAs) or insulin preparations, in addition to diet and/or exercise, do not result in an adequate glycaemic control.Thus, Dilitus 300 mcg is indicated:
In non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients as immunotherapy
In combination with other OHAs
In addition to insulin in diabetes mellitus patients
In prevention of onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus in impaired glucose tolerance (only for Dilitus 300 mcg 0.2 mg Tablets) (However, Dilitus 300 mcg Tablets should be used only when impaired glucose tolerance has not been improved in patients already undergoing appropriate dietary treatment and/or exercise therapy.)
In elderly patients and in those with hepatic dysfunction or mild to moderate renal impairments in whom other OHAs are contraindicated or they need to be used with caution, Dilitus 300 mcg will be helpful.
In glycogen storage disease: Dilitus 300 mcg is helpful in prevention of hypoglycaemia in patients with type lb glycogen storage disease, it being an amylase (a glucosidase) inhibitor.
In non-diabetic Hyperinsulinemia, Dilitus 300 mcg is helpful in preventing hypoglycaemic attacks.
In steroid induced diabetes mellitus also, Dilitus 300 mcg is helpful. However, clinical data in this setting are limited.
Theropeutic Class
Alpha-Glucosidase inhibitor
Pharmacology
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are saccharides that act as competitive inhibitors of enzymes needed to digest carbohydrates: specifically alpha-glucosidase enzymes in the brush border of the small intestines. The membrane-bound intestinal alpha-glucosidases hydrolyze oligosaccharides, trisaccharides, and disaccharides to glucose and other monosaccharides in the small intestine. Acarbose also blocks pancreatic alpha-amylase in addition to inhibiting membrane-bound alpha-glucosidases. Pancreatic alpha-amylase hydrolyzes complex starches to oligosaccharides in the lumen of the small intestine. Inhibition of these enzyme systems reduces the rate of digestion of complex carbohydrates. Less glucose is absorbed because the carbohydrates are not broken down into glucose molecules. In diabetic patients, the short-term effect of these drugs therapies is to decrease current blood glucose levels: the long term effect is a small reduction in hemoglobin-A1c level.
Dosage & Administration of Dilitus 300 mcg
Normal Adult Dose: Usually, Dilitus 300 mcg tablets are orally administered in a single dose of 0.2 mg, 3 times a day, before each meal. If the effect is not sufficient, the quantity of a single dose may be increased up to 0.3 mg.Pediatrics: The safety and effectiveness of Dilitus 300 mcg in children has not been established.Geriatrics: Since elderly patients generally have a physiological hypofunction, it is desirable that such caution be taken as starting the administration at a lower dose (eg, 0.1 mg at a time). Furthermore, this drug should be carefully administered under close observation, through the course of the disease condition, with careful attention to the blood sugar level and the onset of gastrointestinal symptoms.
Dosage of Dilitus 300 mcg
Normal Adult Dose: Usually, Dilitus 300 mcg tablets are orally administered in a single dose of 0.2 mg, 3 times a day, before each meal. If the effect is not sufficient, the quantity of a single dose may be increased up to 0.3 mg.Pediatrics: The safety and effectiveness of Dilitus 300 mcg in children has not been established.Geriatrics: Since elderly patients generally have a physiological hypofunction, it is desirable that such caution be taken as starting the administration at a lower dose (eg, 0.1 mg at a time). Furthermore, this drug should be carefully administered under close observation, through the course of the disease condition, with careful attention to the blood sugar level and the onset of gastrointestinal symptoms.
Interaction of Dilitus 300 mcg
Dilitus 300 mcg should be administered with care when co-administered with the following drugs:Antidiabetic drugs: Derivative(s) of sulfonylamide and sulfonylurea, biguanide derivatives, insulin preparations and improving agents for insulin resistance.For the concomitant use of antldlabetlc drugs and the drugs which enhance or diminish the hypoglycaemic action of antldlabetlc drugs:
Drugs enhancing the hypoglycaemic action of antidiabetic drugs: β-blockers, salicylic acid preparations, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, fibrate derivatives for the treatment of hyperlipemia, warfarin, etc.
Drugs diminishing the hypoglycemic actton of antidiabetic drugs: Adrenaline, adrenocortical hormone, thyroid hormone, etc.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with Hypersensitivity to Dilitus 300 mcg or to any of the excipients; Diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic pre-coma; Severe infection, before and after operation or with serious trauma; Gastrointestinal obstruction or predisposed to it.
Side Effects of Dilitus 300 mcg
Diarrhoea, loose stools, abdominal pain, constipation, loss of appetite, urge to vomit (nausea), vomiting, heartburn, increased gas, and intestinal obstruction like symptoms due to increased intestinal gas. OHAs plus Dilitus 300 mcg may cause hypoglycaemia (0.1% to <5%), delay in digestion and absorption of disaccharides, fulminant hepatitis, serious liver dysfunction with increased liver enzymes, jaundice, anaemia, numbness, edema, blurred vision, hot flushes, malaise, weakness, hyperkalemia, increased pancreatic enzyme (serum amylase).
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: The safety of Dilitus 300 mcg in pregnancy has not been established. However, no adequate and well controlled studies have been done on pregnant women.Lactatlng and Nursing Mothers: Although the levels of Dilitus 300 mcg reached in human milk are exceedingly low, it is recommended that Dilitus 300 mcg may not be administered to such women.
Precautions & Warnings
Careful Administration (should be administered with care in following patients):
Patients who are receiving other antidiabetic drugs as hypoglycaemia may occur
Patients with a history of laparotomy or ileus (intestinal obstruction-like symptoms are liable to develop due to an increase in intestinal gas, etc.)
Patients with chronic intestinal disease accompanied by a disturbance in digestion and absorption (the action of this drug may aggravate the pathologic conditions)
Patients with Roemheld’s Syndrome, severe hernia, Stenosis or ulceration of the large intestine, etc. (Symptoms may worsen due to an increase in the intestinal gas, etc.)
Patients with serious hepatic dysfunction (Because of possible changes in metabolic condition, the status of plasma glucose control may greatly vary. In patients with severe liver cirrhosis, hyperammonemia may worsen, followed by disturbance of consciousness.)
Patients with serious renal dysfunction (Because of possible changes in metabolic conditions, the status of plasma glucose control may greatly vary.)
Elderly patients
Overdose Effects of Dilitus 300 mcg
Unlike sulfonylureas or insulin, an overdose of Dilitus 300 mcg tablets will not result in hypoglycaemia. An overdose may result is transient increase in flatulence, diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort. Because of lack of extra-intestinal effects soon with Dilitus 300 mcg, no serious systemic reactions are expected in the event of an overdose.
Storage Conditions
Keep in a cool and dry place. Keep out of the reach of children. Protect from light.
Use In Special Populations
Dosage in Renal Failure: Dilitus 300 mcg is poorly absorbed after oral doses and renal excretion is negligible, suggesting that no dose adjustment is required. However, pharmacokinetic studies in patients with renal insufficiency are not available.
Drug Classes
Alpha-Glucosidase inhibitor
Mode Of Action
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are saccharides that act as competitive inhibitors of enzymes needed to digest carbohydrates: specifically alpha-glucosidase enzymes in the brush border of the small intestines. The membrane-bound intestinal alpha-glucosidases hydrolyze oligosaccharides, trisaccharides, and disaccharides to glucose and other monosaccharides in the small intestine. Acarbose also blocks pancreatic alpha-amylase in addition to inhibiting membrane-bound alpha-glucosidases. Pancreatic alpha-amylase hydrolyzes complex starches to oligosaccharides in the lumen of the small intestine. Inhibition of these enzyme systems reduces the rate of digestion of complex carbohydrates. Less glucose is absorbed because the carbohydrates are not broken down into glucose molecules. In diabetic patients, the short-term effect of these drugs therapies is to decrease current blood glucose levels: the long term effect is a small reduction in hemoglobin-A1c level.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy: The safety of Dilitus 300 mcg in pregnancy has not been established. However, no adequate and well controlled studies have been done on pregnant women.Lactatlng and Nursing Mothers: Although the levels of Dilitus 300 mcg reached in human milk are exceedingly low, it is recommended that Dilitus 300 mcg may not be administered to such women.
Pediatric Uses
Dosage in Renal Failure: Dilitus 300 mcg is poorly absorbed after oral doses and renal excretion is negligible, suggesting that no dose adjustment is required. However, pharmacokinetic studies in patients with renal insufficiency are not available.