Epalrestat
About Epalrestat
Epalrestat is used to manage diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy is a chronic progressive nerve disease which causes nerve pain due to nerve damage in diabetic patients. It mostly affects the legs and feet.
Epalrestat contains Epalrestat, which prevents the accumulation of sorbitol caused by hyperglycaemia in patients with diabetes, leading to nerve pain. Thus, it helps in treating diabetic neuropathy.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, and headache. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. However, consult your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Consult your doctor before taking Epalrestat if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.
Uses of Epalrestat
Medicinal Benefits
- Helps manage diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain due to diabetes).
- Reduces symptoms such as burning, tingling, numbness, and pricking sensations.
- Helps prevent worsening of nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels.
- Improves nerve function and sensation over time.
- Enhances comfort and quality of life in people with diabetes.
Directions for Use
- Epalrestat should be taken before meals.
- It is usually taken 3 times a day, at the same time each day, or as prescribed by your doctor.
- Swallow Epalrestat as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Epalrestat
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
Drug Warnings
- Do not take Epalrestat if you are allergic to any of its contents.
- Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems.
- Consult your doctor before taking Epalrestat if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Epalrestat may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert.
- Epalrestat is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
- Avoid consuming alcohol with Epalrestat as it could lead to increased drowsiness and sleepiness.
- Let your doctor know if you are taking any other medicines.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Epalrestat as it may cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionLimited information is available regarding the use of Epalrestat in pregnant women. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this, your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionLimited information is available regarding the use of Epalrestat in breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before taking Epalrestat; your doctor will decide whether Epalrestat can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionEpalrestat may cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionEpalrestat should not be used in patients with severe liver disease. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionEpalrestat should be used with caution in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionEpalrestat should not be given to children as safety and efficacy have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Healthy Diet:
- Include foods rich in vitamin B and vitamin D to support nerve health.
- Add cayenne pepper to your diet as it may help reduce neuropathic pain.
Physical Activity:
- Exercise regularly to improve overall health and help manage pain.
Rest and Sleep:
- Get adequate rest and plenty of sleep to support nerve recovery.
Heat Therapy:
- Take a warm bath to help relax the body and soothe nerve discomfort.
Lifestyle Habits:
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, as they can worsen nerve pain.
Stress Management:
- Practice meditation and yoga to reduce stress, lower pain sensitivity, and improve coping skills.
Alternative Therapies:
- Acupuncture may help relieve pain by stimulating specific pressure points.
- Massage with essential oils can help improve blood circulation and relaxation.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Diabetic neuropathy: Diabetic neuropathy is a condition in which nerve damage occurs due to high blood glucose levels. It mostly damages the nerves in the legs and feet. Diabetic neuropathic pain is common in patients with type1 and type2 diabetes, which usually develops slowly. If you have diabetes and experience numbness, pain, tingling sensations, or weakness in the hands or legs, you must consult a doctor. The pain could be intermittent or continuous, and it is felt as a prickling, stabbing, tingling, or burning sensation. Symptoms include spontaneous, untriggered pain, unpleasant feelings, shooting, burning or stabbing pain, difficulty with coordination when walking, difficulty resting or sleeping, and evoked pain (pain caused by events usually not painful).
FAQs
Epalrestat is used to manage diabetic neuropathy, a chronic progressive nerve disease which causes nerve pain due to nerve damage in diabetic patients.
Epalrestat works by inhibiting the aldose reductase enzyme, which catalyses the conversion of glucose to sorbitol. Epalrestat prevents the accumulation of sorbitol, thereby helping in treating diabetic neuropathy.
Diarrhoea could be a side-effect of Epalrestat. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and consume non-spicy meals if you experience diarrhoea. Consult your doctor if you have severe diarrhoea.
Epalrestat might cause high blood pressure. So, if you have hypertension, consult your doctor before taking Epalrestat. Regularly monitor blood pressure levels while taking Epalrestat.
Do not discontinue Epalrestat without consulting your doctor. To treat your condition effectively, continue taking Epalrestat for as long as prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you feel any difficulty while taking Epalrestat.
Epalrestat may cause peripheral oedema. Peripheral oedema is the swelling of the hands and lower legs. Avoid sitting or standing for too long. Raise your legs by putting a pillow under them while lying down.
Epalrestat contains epalrestat, which is classified as an Aldose Reductase Inhibitor. It is used for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.
Some individuals may experience specific common side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, and headache. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Follow your doctor's advice and take the right amount of medicine. Be aware of side effects and take care of yourself. If you're pregnant while on treatment, inform your doctor immediately. Don't take other medications unless instructed by the doctor. Alcohol consumption should be avoided. By following these precautions, you'll benefit most from your medicine and stay safe.
In some individuals, Epalrestat may cause vomiting as it is a common side effect of Epalrestat. This effect does not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Limited information is available regarding the use of Epalrestat in pregnant women. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before taking Epalrestat, your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
It is best to consult your doctor before taking any other medicines with Epalrestat, as some medications may interact with it. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you're currently taking to ensure safe and effective treatment.
