• To improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes (with diet and exercise); may also be used with metformin or a thiazolidinedione (pioglitazone).

Contraindicated in:

• Hypersensitivity
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Type 1 diabetes
• OB: Insulin recommended to control diabetes during pregnancy
• Lactation: Lactation.

Use Cautiously in:

• Malnourished patients, patients with pituitary or adrenal insufficiency (↑ susceptibility to hypoglycemia)
• Strenuous physical exercise, insufficient caloric intake (↑ risk of hypoglycemia)
• Poor metabolizers of CYP2C9 (↑ risk of hypoglycemia)
• Autonomic neuropathy (hypoglycemia may be masked)
• Moderate to severe liver impairment
• Fever, infection, trauma, or surgery (may lead to transient loss of glycemic control; insulin may be required)
• Pedi: Safety and effectiveness not established in children
• Geri: May have ↑ sensitivity to drug effects (↑ risk of hypoglycemia).

Endo: HYPOGLYCEMIA.

GI: diarrhea.

MS: arthropathy, back pain.

Neuro: dizziness.

Resp: bronchitis, cough, upper respiratory infection.
Misc: flu symptoms.

Drug-Drug:

• Concurrent use with beta blockers may mask hypoglycemia.
• Alcohol, combination with other antidiabetics, NSAIDs, MAO inhibitors, nonselective beta blockers, amiodarone, fluconazole, miconazole, or oxandrolone may ↑ the risk of hypoglycemia.
• Hypoglycemic effects may be ↓ by thiazide diuretics, corticosteroids, thyroid supplements, sympathomimetic (adrenergic) agents, somatropin, rifampin, or phenytoin.

Drug-Food:

• Blood levels and effects are significantly ↓ when administered prior to a liquid meal.

(Generic available)

• Tablets: 60 mg; 120 mg;

• PO (Adults): 120 mg 3 times daily before meals; patients who are approaching glycemic control may be started at 60 mg 3 times daily.

Starlix

• Stimulates the release of insulin from pancreatic beta cells by closing potassium channels, which results in the opening of calcium channels in beta cells. This is followed by release of insulin. Requires functioning pancreatic beta cells.

• Lowering of blood glucose.

Therapeutic Classification: antidiabetics

Pharmacologic Classification: meglitinides

Absorption: Well absorbed (73%) following oral administration; absorption is rapid.

Distribution: Unknown.

Protein Binding: 98%.

Metabolism/Excretion: Mostly metabolized by the liver (CYP2C9 [70%] and CYP3A4 [30%]); 16% excreted unchanged in urine.

Half-life: 1.5 hr.

(effect on blood glucose)

• Instruct patient to take medication at same time each day. Take missed doses as soon as remembered unless almost time for next dose. Do not take if unable to eat.
• Explain to patient that this medication controls hyperglycemia but does not cure diabetes. Therapy is long term.
• Review signs of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia with patient. If hypoglycemia occurs, advise patient to take a glass of orange juice or 2–3 tsp of sugar, honey, or corn syrup dissolved in water and notify health care professional.
• Encourage patient to follow prescribed diet, medication, and exercise regimen to prevent hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic episodes.
• Instruct patient in proper testing of serum glucose and ketones. These tests should be closely monitored during periods of stress or illness and health care professional notified if significant changes occur.
• May occasionally cause dizziness. Caution patient to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known.
• Advise patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care professional before taking other medications, especially aspirin and alcohol.
• Advise patient to inform health care professional of medication regimen prior to treatment or surgery.
• Insulin is the recommended method of controlling blood glucose during pregnancy. Counsel female patients to use a form of contraception other than oral contraceptives and to notify health care professional promptly if pregnancy is planned or suspected.
• Advise patient to carry a form of sugar (sugar packets, candy) and identification describing disease process and medication regimen at all times.
• Emphasize the importance of routine follow-up exams.

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