GLP-1 & Metabolic Peptides
Pramlintide
Commonly used for
DiabetesBlood Sugar ControlMetabolic Health
What is it?
Pramlintide is a synthetic analogue of amylin, a peptide hormone normally co-secreted with insulin by pancreatic β-cells. It is used as an adjunct to insulin therapy in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes to improve postprandial glucose control.
Brand names: Symlin®
Mechanism of action: Amylin receptor agonist; Slows gastric emptying; Suppresses postprandial glucagon secretion; Increases satiety; Reduces post-meal glucose excursions
What do people use it for?
Approved indications: Adjunct treatment in adults with type 1 diabetes using mealtime insulin; Adjunct treatment in adults with type 2 diabetes using mealtime insulin
Proposed indications: Obesity; Weight maintenance; Binge eating disorder; Combination therapy with GLP-1 agonists
How is it used? / Dosing
Administration: Subcutaneous injection before major meals — Before meals
How does it compare?
Compare with:
How well does it work? / Evidence
✓ Well-established
Evidence rating: Grade A — Well-established efficacy in insulin-treated diabetes. Growing interest in obesity treatment, particularly in combination with GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Landmark trials: Randomized controlled trials — Demonstrated improved postprandial glucose control and modest weight loss in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Safety & side effects
Common side effects: Nausea, Vomiting, Decreased appetite, Headache
Serious risks: Severe hypoglycemia (particularly in type 1 diabetes if insulin is not adjusted); Gastrointestinal intolerance
Drug interactions: Delays gastric emptying and may alter absorption of oral medications; Increased hypoglycemia risk when combined with insulin
Monitoring: HbA1c, Blood glucose (including postprandial levels), Weight, Frequency of hypoglycemia, Gastrointestinal tolerance
Legal & regulatory status
Legal status: Prescription required. This is an FDA-approved medication available only through a licensed prescriber — dosing is determined by your prescriber based on your medical history and is not provided here.
Regulatory status: FDA Approved • EMA: Not widely marketed
Who should avoid it?
Contraindications: Confirmed gastroparesis; Hypoglycemia unawareness; Hypersensitivity to pramlintide or formulation components
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Use only if the potential benefit outweighs the risk. Data during breastfeeding are limited.
Research & references
Ratner RE, et al. (2004). Amylin replacement with pramlintide as an adjunct to insulin therapy. Diabetes Care, 27(3), 724–730. Whitehouse F, et al. (2002). Pramlintide improves glycemic control and reduces weight in insulin-treated type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care, 25(4), 724–730.