Meglitinides

Introduction

This is a newer class of insulin secretagogues. Meglitinide is the non-sulphonylurea moiety of glibenclamide. This drug stimulates the insulin secretion. Followings are the examples for Meglitinides;

1. Nateglinide
2. Repaglinide

Mechanism of action

Meglitinides close the potassium channel in the cell membrane of pancreatic beta cell. It causes depolarization of the cell membrane thus calcium will influx to the beta cell. This will result in secretion of insulin. This mechanism is different from Sulphonylureas.

Effects

1. Increase insulin secretion
2. risk of hypoglycemia between meal is less



Pharmacokinetics

Onset of action is quicker and duration of action is shorter than that of Sulphonylureas.

Side effects

1. hypersensitivity reactions
2. hypoglycemia

Clinical uses

1. useful in type 2 diabetes mellitus
2. can be given with metformin