Meglitinide
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2008-06-17T03:34:49Z
Thijs!bot
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robot Adding: [[fr:Glinide]]
The '''meglitinide''' class of drugs treat [[diabetes type 2]]
They bind to an [[adenosine triphosphate|ATP]]-dependent [[potassium|K]]<sup>+</sup> (K<sub>ATP</sub>) channel on the cell membrane of pancreatic [[beta cell]]s in a similar manner to [[sulfonylurea]]s but at a separate binding site. This inhibits a tonic, hyperpolarizing outflux of potassium, which causes the electric potential over the membrane to become more positive. This [[depolarization]] opens voltage-gated [[calcium|Ca]]<sup>2+</sup> channels. The rise in intracellular calcium leads to increased fusion of [[insulin]] granulae with the cell membrane, and therefore increased secretion of (pro)insulin.
== Drugs ==
The main branded drug in the meglitinide class is [[Novo Nordisk]]'s [[repaglinide]] (Prandin), which gained FDA approval in 1997. Another type of drug in this class is [[nateglinide]] (Starlix).
These drugs should be taken 0-30 minutes prior to eating. Follow the instructions given to you by your physician/nurse.
== Side-effects ==
Side effects include weight gain and [[hypoglycemia]]. While the potential for hypoglycemia is less than for those on [[sulfonylurea]]s, it is still a serious potential side effect that can be life-threatening. Patients on this medication should know the signs and symptoms of [[hypoglycemia]] and appropriate [[Hypoglycemia#Reversing_acute_hypoglycemia|action]] to take.
{{Oral_hypoglycemics}}
[[Category:Meglitinides| ]]
[[fr:Glinide]]