A patient with type two diabetes has been prescribed miglitol, an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor. The nurse should instruct the patient to take this medication as follows:
Explanation
•Miglitol inhibits carbohydrate absorption and should be taken with the first bite of every meal.
•It only works with food, so if the dose is forgotten at a meal, the dose is skipped.
•The timing should be emphasized because taking the medication too soon reduces the effects while taking it after meals has no effect.