Premil0.5 mg

Premil 0.5 mg is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to lower the blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) whose hyperglycemia cannot be controlled satisfactorily by diet and exercise alone. It is also indicated for use in combination with Metformin to lower blood glucose ... Read morePremil 0.5 mg is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to lower the blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) whose hyperglycemia cannot be controlled satisfactorily by diet and exercise alone. It is also indicated for use in combination with Metformin to lower blood glucose in patients whose hyperglycemia cannot be controlled by exercise, diet, and either Premil 0.5 mg or Metformin alone.

Meglitinide Analogues

Premil 0.5 mg stimulates release of insulin from pancreatic β-cells by inhibiting K efflux via closure of ATP regulated K channels. This results in depolarization of the cell and opening of voltage-dependent Ca channels, which increases influx of Ca into the beta cells and causes release of insulin.

Premil 0.5 mg has to be taken just before or up to 30 minutes before the meal. Premil 0.5 mg can be taken two, three or four times a day, depending on how many meals are taken. If a meal is missed, Premil 0.5 mg should also be avoided. If an extra meal is taken, an extra dose of Premil 0.5 mg should be taken with that meal. If a dose of Premil 0.5 mg is missed, it should not be taken between meals. Rather the usual dose should be taken before the next meal. The dose ranges from 0.5 to 4 mg before each meal. The starting dose of Premil 0.5 mg in patients with HbA1c <8% is 0.5 mg before each meal. In patients with HbA1c >8% the starting dose is 1 or 2 mg before each meal. The dose may be increased gradually up to 4 mg before each meal.

For patients not previously treated or whose HbA1c is <8%, the starting dose should be 0.5 mg before each meal. For patients previously treated with blood glucose-lowering drugs and whose HbA1c is >8%, the initial dose is 1 or 2 mg before each meal. Premil 0.5 mg should be taken immediately or up to 30 minutes before each meal. Dosage should be adjusted according to response at intervals of 1-2 weeks; up to 4 mg may be given as a single-dose, maximum 16 mg daily.

The dose of Premil 0.5 mg may need to be adjusted, if taken with other medications. The possible interactions of Premil 0.5 mg with other drugs are: Inhibitors of the cytochrome P450 enzyme system (azole antifungals and macrolides) may lead to lower Premil 0.5 mg clearance and longer half life. Inducers of the cytochrome P450 enzyme system (Rifampin, Phenobarbital, Carbamazepine, Troglitazone, etc.) may accelerate Premil 0.5 mg metabolism and shorten its effect. Cimetidine has no significant effect on Premil 0.5 mg absorption or clearance. Premil 0.5 mg has no significant effect on Digoxin, Theophyllin, or Warfarin. Highly protein bound drugs (e.g., NSAIDs) may increase the plasma level of unbound Premil 0.5 mg and potentiate its glucose lowering effect. Thus, co-administration of these drugs with Premil 0.5 mg may increase the risk of hypoglycaemia. The risk of hypoglycaemia may also be increased when hypoglycaemic agents are co-administered with certain drugs such as salicylates, sulphonamides, Chloramphenicol, coumarins, Probenecid, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, and adrenergic blockers.

Premil 0.5 mg is contraindicated in patients with: Diabetic ketoacidosis, with or without coma. Type 1 diabetes mellitus and Known hypersensitivity to the drug or its inactive ingredients.

The most common side effects of Premil 0.5 mg are hypoglycemia and related symptoms. Others include upper respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, constipation, nausea and vomiting. Hypersensitivity reactions include rashes and urticaria.

In pregnancy, safety of Premil 0.5 mg has not been established. Hence, Premil 0.5 mg should be used during pregnancy only if it is clearly needed. It is not known whether Premil 0.5 mg is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Premil 0.5 mg, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Insulin should be substituted during concurrent illness (such as myocardial infarction, coma, infection, and trauma) and during surgery. All oral blood glucose-lowering drugs are capable of producing hypoglycemia. Premil 0.5 mg should be administered with meals to lessen the risk of hypoglycemia.

Patients receiving up to 80 mg of Premil 0.5 mg developed few adverse effects other than lowering of blood glucose. Hypoglycemia did not occur when meals were given with these high doses. Severe hypoglycemic reactions with coma, seizure or other neurological impairment occur infrequently.

Do not store above 30°C. Keep away from light and out of the reach of children.

Meglitinide Analogues

Premil 0.5 mg binds to specific receptors in the cell membrane leading to the closure of ATP dependent K+ channels and the depolarisation of cell membrane. This in turn, leads to Ca++ influx, increased intracellular Ca++ and the stimulation of insulin secretion.

Safety in pregnant women has not been established. Premil 0.5 mg should be used during pregnancy only if it is clearly needed. It is not known whether Premil 0.5 mg is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Premil 0.5 mg, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.