Shop products for Repaglinide 
Repaglinide is used to treat individuals with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus; it is in the meglitinide class of anti-diabetic drugs. It may be used as an adjunct to diet and exercise either alone or in combination with other anti-diabetic medications.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
 Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements
when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous
results. |
Ginkgo biloba Willow* |
 Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements
or eating any of these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details. |
Vitamin B3 |
| Depletion or interference |
None known |
| Side effect reduction/prevention |
None known |
| Supportive interaction |
None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability |
None known |
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Vitamin B3 (niacin)
Supplementation with large amounts of niacin (also called nicotinic acid) can increase blood
glucose levels in diabetics, which might interfere with
the blood-sugar-lowering effects of repaglinide.1 The form of vitamin B3 known as
niacinamide does not have this effect. People who start or stop supplementing niacin while on
repaglinide should carefully monitor their blood sugar levels and consult their prescribing
doctor about making adjustments in the daily amount of drug taken.
Interactions with Herbs
Willow (Salix
alba)
Willow bark contains salicin, which is related to aspirin.
Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to
salicylic acid in the body. Taking aspirin together with repaglinide enhances the
blood-sugar-lowering effects of the drug,2 which might result in unwanted side
effects. Controlled research is needed to determine whether taking willow bark together with
repaglinide might produce similar effects.
Ginkgo
biloba
In a preliminary trial, administration of Ginkgo biloba extract (120 mg per day) for
three months to patients with type 2 diabetes who were taking oral anti-diabetes medication
resulted in a significant worsening of glucose tolerance. Ginkgo did not impair glucose
tolerance in individuals whose diabetes was controlled by diet.3 Individuals taking
oral anti-diabetes medication should consult a doctor before taking Ginkgo
biloba.
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
Taking repaglinide with food can result in decreased absorption of the drug.4
Consequently, to achieve the best results, repaglinide should be taken on an empty
stomach.
References
1. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2071–3.
2. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2071–3.
3. Kudolo GB. The effect of 3-month ingestion of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) on pancreatic beta-cell function in response to glucose loading in individuals with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. J Clin Pharmacol 2001;41:600–11.
4. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2071–3.
