Indorin

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Indorin

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Indorin

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Repaglinide
Form Tablets (for oral administration)
Pharmacological class Meglitinides (Glinides)
General use Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Origin Synthetic (Benzoid Acid Derivative)

What Type of Medicine is Indorin (Repaglinide)?

Indorin is a prescription oral antihyperglycemic agent designed to help adults improve glycemic control when used alongside diet and exercise for the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The medication contains the single active ingredient, Repaglinide, which is a synthetic compound supplied in the form of tablets.

Repaglinide belongs to the Meglitinides pharmacological class, sometimes referred to as Glinides, which are clinically recognized for their role as rapid-acting insulin secretagogues. This class is characterized by a fast onset and a very short duration of action. This profile means the medicine's effect is intentionally concentrated around mealtimes, providing targeted action without prolonged presence between meals.


Indorin’s Active Ingredient and General Purpose

Indorin’s general purpose is to assist the body in effectively managing high blood sugar levels by acting directly on the system responsible for insulin production. The core of its function is to encourage the pancreatic beta cells to release endogenous insulin.

The benefit of the Repaglinide mechanism lies in its glucose-dependent action, which quickly and briefly stimulates insulin output specifically when blood sugar levels are elevated due to food intake. This targeted approach is frequently used when a patient needs help controlling postprandial blood glucose spikes—the sharp rises in sugar that follow a meal—thereby contributing significantly to overall effective glycemic control.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH StatPearls on Repaglinide

What side effects are possible with Indorin?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The official safety profile for Indorin (Repaglinide) primarily centers on its effect on glucose metabolism. As classified in regulatory documents, the most common adverse reaction is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which is the principal safety concern and is formally categorized as a Metabolism and nutrition disorder. This event ranges from common, mild occurrences to rare, severe forms such as hypoglycemic coma.


Common Adverse Reactions

Adverse reactions that are frequently documented in official regulatory sources (ge1% to <10% frequency) typically involve other body systems. These common effects include symptoms such as headache, upper respiratory infection, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sinusitis, arthralgia (joint pain), and back pain. Visual disturbances, such as a refraction disorder or blurred vision, may also occur, often noted as being more likely at the initiation of treatment due to rapid blood glucose changes.


Serious Safety Considerations and Constraints

The regulatory profile lists certain serious adverse reactions and clear constraints on use. While rare, severe hypoglycemia is noted as a risk that can lead to seizure or unconsciousness. Other documented serious concerns include rare reports of anaphylactoid reactions and, in the context of specific co-medication (NPH-insulin), reports of myocardial ischemia or Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Safety limitations include contraindications against using Indorin in patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus or Diabetic Ketoacidosis. Furthermore, its use is restricted in patients with severe hepatic function disorder and is prohibited for individuals concurrently taking Gemfibrozil due to a documented risk of profound hypoglycemia. For those with severe renal impairment or who are debilitated, conservative initial dosing and cautious titration are formally required.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The official regulatory documents state that an overdose of Indorin (Repaglinide) results in profound hypoglycemia, which is a life-threatening metabolic emergency.

The documented clinical manifestations are consistent with severe low blood sugar and include autonomic symptoms such as diaphoresis (sweating), tremor, and palpitations, alongside systemic effects like headache and confusion. Severe neuroglycopenic manifestations, specifically seizures and loss of consciousness (coma), are documented in official labeling as potentially life-threatening outcomes of uncorrected overdose.

Immediate medical attention must be sought for any suspected overdose or the onset of these symptoms. Contacting emergency services is required if the patient experiences a seizure or is unable to be awakened. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive, focusing on the rapid correction of blood glucose levels through oral sugar for conscious individuals or intravenous dextrose for severe, unconscious cases. Furthermore, due to the inherent risk of recurrent hypoglycemia, regulatory guidance mandates a period of prolonged hospital observation with continuous glucose monitoring to ensure stability. This risk may be increased in populations with hepatic impairment.

Therapeutic Uses of Indorin

What Indorin Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Indorin is commonly used for the chronic management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in adult patients whose high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, remains inadequately controlled by diet, weight reduction, and exercise alone. It provides the essential benefit of reducing overall hyperglycemia, a core therapeutic goal that contributes to easing the overall symptom load and supports the reduction of systemic diabetes risk.

Indorin is commonly used to help with conditions presenting with disruptive symptom manifestations such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, addressing persistent hyperglycemia and postprandial glucose excursions.

“This medication is relevant when supportive symptom management is appropriate for symptoms related to postprandial hyperglycemia, which are often linked to fluctuations around meals.”

Targeted Symptom Management

This medicine is relevant when supportive symptom management is appropriate for symptoms related to postprandial hyperglycemia, which involves the rapid and pronounced rise in blood sugar immediately following food intake. May assist with managing symptoms that create noticeable physiological strain and supports general well-being during symptomatic phases. It is commonly used when short-term symptomatic assistance is needed, such as when applied as an adjunct to diet and exercise or in combination with other established anti-diabetic medications, and assists with maintaining functional stability.


Quick Fact: Relief for Post-Meal Spikes
This medication is applied in situations where control of mealtime glucose variations is needed to address symptoms related to sudden, elevated blood sugar following food intake.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH StatPearls Overview

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who can and cannot use Indorin — official regulatory information

Eligibility scope

Category Regulatory Wording
Populations for whom use is allowed (as stated in label) Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Populations for whom use is not recommended (if applicable) Children/adolescents under 18; Patients over 75; Pregnant and Lactating women
Populations for whom use is contraindicated Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Severe Hepatic Function Disorder, or those taking Gemfibrozil

Age-related eligibility rules

Primarily approved for adults. Use is not established in the pediatric population. For older adults, use is not recommended by some authorities due to a lack of clinical studies in the age group over 75.


Condition-specific eligibility rules

Use is contraindicated in severe liver disease; it is also contraindicated in acute or chronic metabolic acidosis. Use requires caution in patients with severe renal impairment.


Pregnancy and lactation eligibility status (if explicitly documented)

Use should be avoided during pregnancy and is not recommended during lactation.


Eligibility classifications (high-level)

Classification Status (as defined in official documents)
Eligibility severity classification Contraindicated; Not Recommended; Use with Caution
Eligibility-context constraints Disease Type; Organ Function; Concomitant Drug Use; Age/Developmental Stage

Resulting eligibility structure

Official eligibility statements:

  • Indorin is formally contraindicated for use in patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus or Diabetic Ketoacidosis.
  • The medicine is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic function disorder and for those concurrently receiving Gemfibrozil.
  • Use is not recommended for pediatric populations (under 18) because safety and efficacy have not been established.

Connection to the overall eligibility profile

Regulatory documents define use as strictly limited to adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The profile imposes absolute prohibitions (contraindications) based on specific comorbidities (e.g., Type 1 diabetes, severe liver disease) and requires caution in others (e.g., severe renal impairment), defining the boundaries of patient eligibility.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory information for Indorin (Repaglinide) defines specific pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions that require restriction or close monitoring.

Contraindicated Combinations and Restrictions

Co-administration of Repaglinide with Gemfibrozil is contraindicated due to the significant inhibition of Repaglinide's metabolism, which leads to a substantial increase in its plasma concentration and a high risk of severe hypoglycemia. The total daily dose of Repaglinide is also restricted to a maximum of 4 mg when used concurrently with Clopidogrel, and 6 mg when combined with Cyclosporine, as these substances increase drug exposure.

Exposure-Modifying Interactions

Repaglinide is primarily metabolized by the enzymes CYP2C8 and CYP3A4. Substances that inhibit these enzymes, such as Trimethoprim or Itraconazole, increase Repaglinide exposure, which necessitates a dose reduction. Conversely, co-administration with enzyme inducers like Rifampin decreases plasma exposure and may compromise glycemic control.

Pharmacodynamic Effects and Population Notes

Combining Repaglinide with other antidiabetic agents or consuming alcohol can result in an additive pharmacodynamic effect, potentiating the risk of hypoglycemia. Patients with hepatic impairment are noted to be at a higher risk of drug accumulation and resulting hypoglycemia, which can exacerbate the severity of potential drug-drug interactions.

Mechanism of Action

Targeting the K ATP Channel for Cellular Activation

The effect of Indorin (Repaglinide) is rooted in its highly specific interaction with the ion channels of the pancreatic beta cell, initiating a rapid cascade of physiological changes. The primary mechanism involves Repaglinide acting as an inhibitor by binding to the SUR1 subunit of the ATP-dependent potassium channel ( K ATP channel) on the beta-cell membrane. This blockade prevents the outward flow of potassium ions ( K^+), rapidly causing the cell membrane to depolarize and become electrically active. This domain covers the critical molecular interaction required to initiate all subsequent events.


The Calcium Cascade and Insulin Release

The resulting electrical depolarization immediately forces the opening of voltage-dependent calcium channels, allowing a rapid surge of Ca^2+ ions into the cell. This calcium influx serves as the biochemical signal that triggers the exocytosis of insulin-containing granules, resulting in a distinct, rapid pattern of endogenous insulin release into the circulation.


Mechanism Designed for Rapid, Transient Effect

The unique rapid kinetics of Repaglinide ensure that the ion channel blockade is intense but short-lived. This mechanism drives an enhanced early phase insulin secretion which is inherently glucose-dependent, meaning the insulin-releasing potency is attenuated as surrounding glucose levels decrease, functionally constraining the pathway activation.

Dosage and Administration Information

Instruction Map: How to Use Indorin — Official Administration Guidelines

Administration Scope

Route of administration: Indorin is administered orally as a tablet.
Dosing schedule: Starting doses range from 0.5 mg to 2 mg before each main meal. The maximum single dose is 4 mg, and the total dose administered in a single day must not exceed 16 mg.
Timing in relation to meals: The medication must be taken within 30 minutes prior to eating; this timing is crucial as it links the medicine’s action directly to food intake.
Preparation requirements: The tablets are intended for direct oral administration; no dilution or special preparation is required.
Age-group administration rules: The medicine is generally not recommended for use in pediatric patients (< 18 years) or adults over 75 years.
Missed-dose rules: If a meal is skipped, the corresponding dose must be skipped. Conversely, an additional dose should be taken if an extra meal is consumed.
Special procedural conditions: Dose adjustments should be made cautiously and no sooner than one week after the previous change. Adjustments to the starting dose are also advised for patients with severe renal impairment.

Instruction Classifications (High-Level)

Administration method type: Oral.
Frequency pattern: Prandial and Flexible (2, 3, or 4 times a day) based on the number of main meals consumed.
Use-context constraints: Meal-dependent timing and titration-dependent dosage adjustment are mandatory constraints.

Resulting Procedural Structure

Official step sequence:

  • Take the tablet within 30 minutes before a main meal.
  • The frequency must match the patient's eating pattern (2, 3, or 4 times a day).
  • If a meal is skipped, the corresponding dose must be skipped.
  • Any dose adjustment must wait for a minimum interval of one week before the next change is implemented.

Connection to the overall use protocol: The official instructions establish Indorin as a meal-contingent oral therapy defined by strict timing, flexible frequency, and a clear rule for managing missed meals. This procedural structure, including the minimum one-week titration interval, provides the formal framework for dosage administration and adjustment. The maximum daily dose is set at 16 mg.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Indorin (Repaglinide)


Evidence for Repaglinide as Monotherapy

Repaglinide was studied for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in adults where blood sugar measurements indicated a need for further support alongside diet and exercise. Researchers conducted Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) against both a placebo and against other anti-diabetes medications. The primary goal of this research was to examine measurements of intermediate biomarkers of glycemic control, which are measured outcomes for the condition. These included Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG), and Postprandial Blood Glucose (PPG) levels.

These trials typically involved follow-up durations that were limited to short-term periods (around 12 to 16 weeks), though some studies extended to an intermediate-term of up to one year (52 weeks). Findings describe patterns observed in the measured blood sugar levels during these study periods. Specifically, research examined post-meal sugar measurements in relation to the drug's rapid-onset profile. Data show patterns related to these measurements over the observation intervals.

Evidence for Repaglinide in Combination Therapy

Repaglinide was studied in combination with other established oral anti-diabetic agents, most commonly Metformin, in controlled trials. These RCTs research examined whether adding Repaglinide to an existing regimen where measurements indicated a need for further support might alter the measurements of blood sugar biomarkers. The populations studied were adults with Type 2 Diabetes whose blood sugar measurements were elevated despite stable treatment with Metformin monotherapy or other oral agents. The studies monitored the same key intermediate biomarkers as in monotherapy.

Key Limitations and Areas of Research Uncertainty

The primary body of evidence used for regulatory review consists of trials with a maximum duration of approximately one year (52 weeks). This means the research contributes to the broader evidence landscape regarding the initial and intermediate-term measurements of blood sugar control. However, there is limited information for long-term outcomes that would capture major clinical events, such as the effect on cardiovascular health or mortality, as dedicated trials for these endpoints are not fully established. The durability of the blood sugar management over many years remains an area where long-term evidence is limited.

Key Studies & References

  1. A 1-year multicenter randomized double-blind comparison of repaglinide and glyburide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (Dutch and German Repaglinide Study Group)
  2. Comparison of repaglinide and metformin versus metformin alone on type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Indorin (FAQ)

Q: Can I split or crush Indorin tablets if I have difficulty swallowing them?

Official regulatory documents indicate that Indorin tablets are intended for direct oral administration. There is no explicit guidance from regulatory bodies allowing the tablets to be split, crushed, or otherwise modified before taking. To help ensure the medication works as intended, the official guidance suggests the tablets be swallowed whole.


Q: If my blood sugar is already low, should I still take Indorin?

According to official product information, Indorin is designed to help your body release insulin, which acts to lower blood sugar. Because the medication's effect is to reduce glucose levels, taking a dose when blood sugar is already low could potentially increase the risk of severe hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar). Given the potential for increased risk, taking the medication when blood sugar is already low is generally not aligned with its intended use.


Q: How long does it take for Indorin to start working after I take a dose?

Official drug information and pharmacological studies classify Indorin as an insulin secretagogue with a rapid onset of action. The medicine’s rapid action is consistent with a design intended to help address postprandial blood glucose spikes, which are the rises in sugar that follow a meal.


Q: What should I do if I experience symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)?

Regulatory documents list hypoglycemia as the main safety concern with Indorin. The prescribing information indicates that mild hypoglycemia may be managed by consuming a source of oral glucose. More severe episodes may require medical intervention, such as a glucagon injection or intravenous glucose, followed by close monitoring by a healthcare professional.

How should Indorin be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Indorin? — Official Guidance

Storage Requirements

Indorin must be stored according to the conditions stated on the official product label to maintain its stability. This typically requires keeping the medication in its original container, tightly closed, at controlled room temperature, and protected from excessive heat, moisture, and light. After the container is opened or the medicine is prepared, any specified 'in-use' stability period must be strictly followed.

Disposal Instructions

The best and safest way to dispose of unneeded or expired Indorin is by using a community drug take-back program or a mail-back envelope. If these options are unavailable, and if Indorin is not on the official U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) flush list, you should dispose of it in the household trash. To do this safely, mix the medicine with an unappealing substance like dirt or used coffee grounds, place it in a sealed bag or container, and discard it. Never flush medications down the toilet or drain unless explicitly directed by the product's labeling or the FDA Flush List. Always scratch out personal information from the packaging before disposal.

Child Protection

Keep Indorin, and all medicines, up and away and out of the reach and sight of children and pets.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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