Nateglinide adverse effects

In a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-con-trolled study for 24 weeks, 701 patients took nateglinide 120 mg before the three main meals, or metformin 500 mg tds, or the combination of the two, or placebo (20). The most frequent adverse effect was hypoglycemia, and it was most common in the combination group. There were no differences between those who took nateglinide only or metformin only and there were no episodes of serious hypoglycemia. Diarrhea was more frequent in those taking metformin or the combination, but infection, nausea, headache, and abdominal pain were comparable in the two groups. 

In eight patients with type 2 diabetes, nateglinide given 5 minutes before a meal reduced the postprandial blood glucose excursion by 64% (18). There were no attacks of hypoglycemia even with a dosage of 180 mg/day other adverse effects were not mentioned. 

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