Mitiglinide Calcium Tablets (Glufast) is a rapid-acting insulin secretagogue, mainly used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Its mechanism of action is to promote the secretion of insulin by pancreatic β-cells, thereby controlling postprandial blood glucose.
What Are the Precautions for Taking Mitiglinide Calcium Tablets (Glufast)?
Contraindicated Populations
Patients with severe ketosis, diabetic coma or pre-coma, and type 1 diabetes.
Patients with severe infections, those in the perioperative period (before and after surgery), and patients with severe trauma.
Patients with a history of allergy to any component of this product.
Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant.
Indications for Use
The drug should only be used when blood glucose remains poorly controlled despite dietary management and exercise therapy.
Fasting blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL, or 2-hour postprandial blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL.
It is only indicated for type 2 diabetes and not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Administration Timing
Must be taken before meals: If taken after meals, absorption is delayed and the drug’s efficacy is reduced.
Not recommended for administration 30 minutes in advance: Otherwise, it may trigger hypoglycemia before food intake.
Dosage Form Differences
Regular tablets: Should be swallowed with water.
OD tablets (orally disintegrating tablets): Can be taken without water—place in the mouth, allow it to disintegrate, then swallow. However, do not take while lying down to avoid aspiration.
Packaging and Usage
PTP packaging: Remove the tablets from the packaging before taking. Do not swallow the packaging to prevent esophageal injury.
OD tablets: Are highly hygroscopic; after opening the package, store them in a moisture-proof environment.
Drug Interactions
Other hypoglycemic drugs (e.g., insulin, metformin, DPP-4 inhibitors, etc.): Concurrent use may enhance the hypoglycemic effect and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Salicylates, sulfonamides, β-blockers, etc.: May also enhance the hypoglycemic effect.
Corticosteroids, diuretics, thyroid hormones, etc.: May reduce the hypoglycemic effect; dosage adjustment is required.
Mitiglinide shares the same mechanism of action as sulfonylurea drugs. Concurrent use may cause additive or synergistic effects, and its safety has not been verified—concomitant use is prohibited.
Medication Monitoring for Mitiglinide Calcium Tablets (Glufast)
Blood Glucose Monitoring
Regularly measure fasting and postprandial blood glucose.
Intensify monitoring during the initial phase of use or when adjusting the dosage.
If the therapeutic effect is unsatisfactory after 2–3 consecutive months of medication, consider adjusting the treatment regimen.
Hepatic and Renal Function Monitoring
Liver function: Regularly check AST (aspartate transaminase), ALT (alanine transaminase), and γ-GTP (gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase).
Renal function: Especially for patients with pre-existing renal impairment, monitor indicators such as serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen.
Self-Observation of Symptoms
Be alert to the occurrence of hypoglycemic symptoms.
Watch for signs of hepatic dysfunction, such as nausea, fatigue, and jaundice.
Pay attention to cardiac-related symptoms, such as chest pain and palpitations.
