Prandin is the brand name for repaglinide, a short-acting insulin-releasing medicine taken in relation to meals. Its interaction profile and meal-linked instructions distinguish it from once-daily diabetes tablets.
The approved uses and formulations described here follow US prescribing information. They may differ in other countries.
| Medicine detail | Details |
|---|---|
| Active ingredient(s) | repaglinide |
| Medicine class | Meglitinide insulin secretagogue |
| Forms and strengths | Oral tablets: 0.5, 1 and 2 mg |
How repaglinide works
Repaglinide stimulates insulin release from the pancreas and is used alongside diet and exercise in adults with type 2 diabetes. It does not replace insulin for type 1 diabetes or treat diabetic ketoacidosis.
Source: [1]
Meals drive the schedule
Tablets contain 0.5, 1 or 2 mg. The label directs use before meals and omission of the scheduled dose when that meal is skipped. The prescription should make the individual meal plan clear; a fixed pill-box schedule can be misleading if it ignores whether food will be eaten.
Source: [1]
Important interactions
Repaglinide must not be taken with gemfibrozil. Its prescribing information advises avoiding clopidogrel, with specific dose restrictions if the combination cannot be avoided. Tell the prescriber and pharmacist about all medicines, including treatments for cholesterol or to prevent blood clots.
Source: [1]
Hypoglycemia and organ function
Repaglinide can cause hypoglycemia, including severe episodes. Kidney or liver problems, altered food intake and other glucose-lowering treatment can affect the clinical plan. Ask for instructions for illness, unusual meal patterns and low-glucose symptoms before making changes independently.
Source: [1]
Prandin, repaglinide and similar medicines
Prandin contains repaglinide. If both names appear on a medicine list, ask the pharmacist to check that they do not represent duplicate prescriptions. Starlix contains nateglinide, a different meal-related medicine with its own dose and interaction precautions.
Source: [1]
Questions and answers
What if a meal is skipped?
The label links the dose to the meal and directs skipping that meal’s dose. Follow the individualized prescription and seek advice if the eating pattern changes substantially.
Can Prandin be taken with gemfibrozil?
Concurrent use is contraindicated in the US label.
Is Starlix another repaglinide brand?
No. Starlix contains nateglinide.
Related reading
Sources
Sources checked 1 October 2026. This information does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. For complete warnings and instructions, read the product information and consult the prescribing team.
Reviewed by: Mattias Hagman, PhD
About the reviewer:
Dr Mattias Hagman (PhD, University of Sydney) has an academic background and experience working with healthcare-related content and regulated industries. He has lecturing experience at international universities, including Stockholm University and the University of Malta.
Last reviewed: October 2026