Epalrestat tablets 50 mg for diabetic peripheral neuropathy

General information on Japanese Epalrestat tablets 50 mg for diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Package details: 100 tablets

Manufacturer: Sawai Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Japan

Active ingredients: epalrestat (chemical formula C15H13NO3S2)

Medical effect: Epalrestat tablets are effective for improving symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, including following:

• numbness,
• pain,
• abnormal vibratory sensation,
• abnormal heart rate variability.

Contraindications and precautions: do not use for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

While taking this medicine, patient should continue treatment with dietary and exercise therapy, take oral hypoglycemic agent and insulin as instructed by their doctor.

Yellowish brown or red discoloration of urine may occur while taking this medicine. This reaction is considered to be within normal.

If an allergic reaction occurs, stop using the medicine and consult with your doctor. If you’re taking any other medication or receiving any other treatment, you have to consult with your doctor before use.

Dosage and administration

For adults: take 1 tablet (50 mcg of epalrestat) 3 times a day, before each meal. The doctor in charge may adjust the dosage according to patient’s age and symptoms.  

How effective are Epalrestat tablets 50 mg from Japan for diabetic peripheral neuropathy?

Epalrestat is a carboxylic acid derivative and a noncompetitive and reversible aldose reductase inhibitor. It works by inhibiting aldose reductase and suppressing intraneuronal accumulation of sorbitol. By this, Epalrestat tablets improve symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Who should use Epalrestat tablets 50 mg from Japan?

Epalrestat tablets are effective for improving such symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy as numbness, pain, abnormal vibratory sensation or abnormal heart rate variability. Studies showed that unlike the other medicines, epalrestat may affect or delay progression of the underlying disease process by improving motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity (M. A. Ramirez, N. L. Borja. “Epalrestat: An Aldose Reductase Inhibitor for the Treatment of Diabetic Neuropathy”. Pharmacotherapy, 2008, 28 (5): 646–655).