Repaglinide
Repaglinide stimulates insulin release around mealtimes. In the UK it is used in some people with type 2 diabetes who need flexible meal timing or who cannot take some other tablets. It is taken shortly before food — skipping the meal usually means skipping the dose.
This medicine is part of the Diabetes medicines category.
Generic name: repaglinide
Quick answers
Short replies to searches people often run before speaking to a clinician. For the overview of what the medicine is used for, see the short summary under the page title above.
What is it for?
Repaglinide stimulates insulin release around mealtimes.
How long does it take to work?
Onset varies by condition and dose. Your GP or pharmacist can explain what to expect and when to review.
What are common side effects?
Hypoglycaemia if meals are delayed or small, weight gain, or gut upset.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with it?
Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Repaglinide with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
More about what Repaglinide is used for
Repaglinide stimulates insulin release around mealtimes. In the UK it is used in some people with type 2 diabetes who need flexible meal timing or who cannot take some other tablets.
It is taken shortly before food — skipping the meal usually means skipping the dose.
How does Repaglinide work, and how long does it take to work?
It closes potassium channels on pancreatic beta cells, triggering insulin secretion that falls as glucose normalises.
Duration of action is short compared with sulphonylureas like Gliclazide.
How and when should you take Repaglinide?
Typically 15–30 minutes before main meals as your label states. If you skip a meal, often skip that dose — confirm with your diabetes team.
Swallow tablets with water.
What are the common side effects of Repaglinide?
Hypoglycaemia if meals are delayed or small, weight gain, or gut upset.
Carry glucose for lows as advised.
Serious side effects of Repaglinide — when to get urgent help
Severe hypoglycaemia with confusion or collapse needs emergency treatment — teach family when to use glucagon if supplied.
What if you miss a dose of Repaglinide?
If you forget until after eating, do not take a catch-up dose without advice — you could go low later.
Who should not take Repaglinide?
Type 1 diabetes, severe liver disease, pregnancy, and concurrent gemfibrozil therapy are important cautions.
Elderly with erratic eating need careful planning.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with Repaglinide? — other interactions
Clarithromycin, gemfibrozil, and some antifungals raise levels. Other glucose-lowering drugs add hypo risk.
Repaglinide in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not first-line in pregnancy. Discuss breastfeeding with your prescriber.
Blood tests and monitoring on Repaglinide
HbA1c, home glucose testing, and liver function may be checked.
What might your GP prescribe instead of Repaglinide?
Gliclazide, GLP-1 agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors, or insulin may be alternatives.
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Frequently asked questions about Repaglinide
People also ask — common Google searches
- What is Repaglinide used for?
- Repaglinide stimulates insulin release around mealtimes. In the UK it is used in some people with type 2 diabetes who need flexible meal timing or who cannot take some other tablets. It is taken shortly before food — skipping the meal usually means skipping the dose.
- How long does Repaglinide take to work?
- Onset varies by condition and dose. Your GP or pharmacist can explain what to expect and when to review. Always follow your prescriber’s follow-up plan.
- Can you take Repaglinide with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
- Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Repaglinide with Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
- What are the side effects of Repaglinide?
- Hypoglycaemia if meals are delayed or small, weight gain, or gut upset. Carry glucose for lows as advised. See the sections below for more detail, including serious side effects and when to seek urgent help.
- What if I vomit after repaglinide?
- You may be at risk of low glucose if food is not absorbed — check sugars, use fast glucose if low, and seek advice if unsure.
- Is repaglinide the same as gliclazide?
- Both increase insulin but timing and duration differ. Repaglinide is tied closely to individual meals.
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