Epalrestat

Epalrestat is used to treat diabetic nerve pain. Poorly controlled diabetes can eventually lead to diabetic nerve disease (neuropathy) as a complication. This medicine helps to relieve symptoms like burning pain and numbness seen in people with diabetic nerve disease.

Epalrestat belongs to a group of medicines known as Aldose reductase inhibitors. It can be taken with or without food but you should try to take it at the same time every day. The dose and how often you need it will be decided by your doctor so that you get the right amount to control your symptoms.

This medicine is only part of a treatment program that should also include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight reduction as advised by your doctor. Keeping your blood sugar levels under control will help this medication work better.

• Diabetic Neuropathy: Indicated for the improvement of subjective symptoms (numbness and pain), abnormality of vibration sense and abnormal change in heartbeat associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Aldose reductase inhibitor

Aldose Reductase Inhibitor

Epalrestat specifically inhibits aldose reductase and accumulation of sorbitol in the nerve; thereby improves subjective symptoms and nerve dysfunction in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Epalrestat is an aldose reductase inhibitor. It blocks the accumulation of sorbitol in cells, which has been related to causing diabetic nerve disease.

Adult Dose:

• Diabetic Neuropathy: 50 mg three times daily (before meals).

Dose Adjustment: Dosage may be adjusted according to the patient's age and symptoms.

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Epalrestat may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

If you miss a dose of Epalrestat, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abnormal liver function (elevated liver enzymes)

Other Side Effects:

• Malaise
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Hypersensitivity reaction
• Thrombocytopenia (rare)

Precautions:

• It is not known whether Epalrestat alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
• Adherence to antidiabetic therapy can delay the onset of or prevent diabetic nerve disease.
• If you have existing diabetic nerve disease, wear proper footwear and examine your feet every day to detect lesions early.
• If you have a foot injury or open wound, avoid engaging in weight-bearing activities.
• The administration should be considered to patients showing high glycohemoglobin values even after fundamental therapies for diabetes mellitus.
• When efficacy is not observed even after 12 weeks of administration, other appropriate therapies should be taken.
• In cases of hepatic abnormalities, drug should be discontinued immediately and appropriate measures should be taken.

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to epalrestat
• Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers

Drug Interactions: There are no known drug interactions and none well documented.

Food Interactions: It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Epalrestat. Alcohol may increase the risk of developing some side effects.

Use in Pregnancy: Information regarding the use of Epalrestat during pregnancy is not available. Should be used only if expected therapeutic benefits outweigh the possible risks. Consult your doctor.

Use in Lactation: Information regarding the use of Epalrestat during breastfeeding is not available. Breast-feeding should be avoided during administration. Consult your doctor.

Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Geriatric Use: Use with caution in elderly patients.

Renal Impairment: Limited information available on the use of Epalrestat in patients with kidney disease. Consult your doctor.

Hepatic Impairment: Limited information available on the use of Epalrestat in patients with liver disease. Consult your doctor.

Overdose: Limited information is available on overdose. In case of overdose, symptomatic treatment should be given and seek immediate medical attention.

Storage: Do not store above 30°C. Keep away from light and wet place. Keep out of reach of children.

Epalrestat