diabetes drugs

MINIDIAB ® - Glipizide

MINIDIAB ® a drug based on Glipizide.

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Oral hypoglycemic agents - Sulfonylureas

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications MINIDIAB ® - Glipizide

MINIDIAB ® is used as a pharmacological aid in type II diabetic patients, when diet and exercise are not sufficient to guarantee good glycemic control.

Mechanism of action MINIDIAB ® - Glipizide

Glipizide, the active ingredient of MINIDIAB ® is a second-generation sulphonylurea useful in the management of hyperglycemia in diabetic patients.

Taken orally it is readily absorbed at the intestinal level, guaranteeing a sensitive hypoglycemic effect, only after half an hour from oral intake

Its therapeutic action is due to its ability to reach the pancreatic beta cell, bind itself to the dependent potassium ATP channel by inhibiting it, and facilitate membrane depolarization with a consequent increase in intracellular calcium concentrations, useful for ensuring the fusion of insulin-containing vesicles with the cell membrane and the consequent release of this hormone.

Several studies also seem to agree also on the protective effect of glipizide, useful in reducing thrombotic risk, safeguarding the integrity of endothelial cells, seriously compromised in patients with type II diabetes.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

1. GLIPIZIDE AND BODY COMPOSITION

Treatment with glipizide, contrary to what was observed for other oral hypoglycemic drugs, had no positive results on body composition, leaving the percentage of fatty tissue concentrated in the abdominal area almost unchanged without guaranteeing particular improvements in systolic and diastolic pressure values.

2. GLIPIZIDE AND METFORMIN

This study has shown how the addition of 2.5 mg of glipizide to metformin, in patients with type II diabetes not responsive to metformin monotherapy, can significantly increase the therapeutic efficacy of the drug, guaranteeing good glycemic control and significant decrease in glycosylated hemoglobin concentrations.

3. GLIBIZIDE: THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CORRECT DOSAGE

The formulation of the correct dosage is one of the most incident factors on the safety and efficacy of the therapeutic protocol with oral hypoglycemic agents. In this case, in fact, it was noted that the increase in the dosage of glipizide from 5 to 10 mg per day, can guarantee a reduction in the percentages of glycosylated hemoglobin even by 1%.

Method of use and dosage

MINIDIAB ® Glipizide 5 mg tablets:

the hypoglycemic treatment should start with the minimum effective dose equal to ½ daily tablet taken before the main meals.

Based on the glycemic control obtained from the initial dose for about two weeks of treatment, the appropriate dosage should be set, never exceeding the 4 tablets per day.

A further adjustment of hypoglycemic therapy, may be required during the work or in the case of simultaneous intake of other antidiabetic drugs.

Warnings MINIDIAB ® - Glipizide

MINIDIAB ® should be used in type II diabetic patients as a pharmacological aid useful for controlling blood glucose levels in combination with an adequate lifestyle and a balanced diet.

Before and during therapy, the concentration of blood glucose should be periodically evaluated, in order to establish and eventually adapt the dosage of the drug during the procedure, to avoid the appearance of episodes of hyper and hypoglycemia and to guarantee a good metabolic control.

Medical supervision is of fundamental importance also for those patients suffering from reduced liver and kidney function, for whom the hypoglycemic effects of the therapy could be partly accentuated.

It is good to remember that an inadequate dosage of MINIDIAB ® could increase the risk of hypoglycaemia, anticipated by some warning signs, making it dangerous to use machinery and drive vehicles.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

Glipizide, like other sulfonylureas and other oral hypoglycemic drugs, is contraindicated both during the gestation period and in the subsequent breastfeeding phase.

In these moments generally the use of hypoglycemic drugs more studied and the standardized therapeutic effect as insulin is opted.

Interactions

Dicumarol and dicumarol derivatives, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, sulfonamides, phenylbutazone, chloramphenicol, cyclophosphamide, probenecid, phenirmidol and salicylates can increase the hypoglycemic effect of MINIDIAB ® increasing the risk of hypoglycemia in the treated patient.

In contrast, adrenaline, corticosteroids, oral contraceptives and thiazide diuretics can reduce the therapeutic efficacy of glipizide, preventing the drug from controlling glucose metabolism.

Interactions with serious consequences can also occur following the simultaneous use of glipizide and alcohol or warfarin.

Contraindications MINIDIAB ® - Glipizide

MINIDIAB ® is contraindicated in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus of the first type, severe hepatic and renal dysfunction, precoma and diabetic coma, keto diabetic acidosis, in case of hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or to one of its excipients and during pregnancy and 'feeding time

Undesirable effects - Side effects

The hypoglycemic therapy with second-generation sulfonylureas such as the glipizide contained in MINIDIAB ® was decidedly safer and well tolerated compared to older sulfonylureas.

In fact the cases of hypoglycemia, although present, have been significantly reduced, remaining confined to the most susceptible patients such as the elderly, alcoholics, patients with reduced liver and kidney function and patients treated with excessive doses of the drug.

Gastrointestinal disorders, haematological changes, hypersensitivity reactions and reduced liver function were observed only in rare cases and promptly recovered upon discontinuation of therapy.

Note

MINIDIAB ® can only be sold under strict medical prescription