Glyburide
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
.svg)
Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
No
Pharmaceutical Class
Sulfonylurea
Controlled Drug Substance
No
Glyburide
Summary
Glyburide is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps control blood sugar levels. It is not used for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Glyburide works by stimulating the pancreas to produce insulin and helping the body use insulin efficiently. It lowers blood glucose levels and improves glucose tolerance.
The usual starting dose of Glyburide for adults is 2.5 to 5 mg daily, taken by mouth with breakfast or the first main meal. In some cases, it may be taken twice a day as directed by a doctor.
Common side effects of Glyburide include nausea, upper abdominal fullness, and heartburn. Serious side effects may include yellowing of the skin or eyes, light-colored stools, dark urine, and unusual bruising or bleeding.
Glyburide is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug, diabetic ketoacidosis, type 1 diabetes, and those taking bosentan. It may cause severe hypoglycemia, especially in the elderly, malnourished, or those with renal or hepatic insufficiency.
Indications and Purpose
How does Glyburide work?
Glyburide lowers blood glucose by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas, an effect dependent on functioning beta cells. It may also have extrapancreatic effects that contribute to its hypoglycemic action. Glyburide is effective in improving glucose tolerance and maintaining blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients.
Is Glyburide effective?
Glyburide is effective in lowering blood glucose levels by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas. It is used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Clinical studies have shown that Glyburide helps maintain blood glucose levels, although its effectiveness may decrease over time due to progression of diabetes or diminished responsiveness to the drug.
What is Glyburide?
Glyburide is used to treat type 2 diabetes by helping control blood sugar levels. It works by stimulating the pancreas to produce insulin and helping the body use insulin efficiently. Glyburide is effective only in individuals whose bodies produce insulin naturally and is not used for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Glyburide?
Glyburide is typically used as a long-term treatment for managing type 2 diabetes. It helps control blood sugar levels but does not cure diabetes. Patients are advised to continue taking Glyburide even if they feel well, and should not stop taking it without consulting their doctor.
How do I dispose of Glyburide?
If you can, bring unused medicines to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of this medicine properly so they don't harm people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw most medicines in the trash at home. But first, take them out of their original containers, mix them with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag and throw it away.
How do I take Glyburide?
Glyburide should be taken by mouth, usually once a day with breakfast or the first main meal. In some cases, it may be taken twice a day as directed by a doctor. It is important to follow dietary recommendations made by a doctor or dietitian, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and lose weight if necessary to manage diabetes effectively.
How long does it take for Glyburide to start working?
Glyburide is absorbed within one hour, with peak drug levels occurring at about four hours. The blood glucose-lowering effect persists for 24 hours following a single morning dose in non-fasting diabetic patients. However, individual responses may vary, and it is important to monitor blood sugar levels regularly.
How should I store Glyburide?
Glyburide should be stored in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. It should be kept at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture, and not stored in the bathroom. Unneeded medications should be disposed of through a medicine take-back program to ensure safety.
What is the usual dose of Glyburide?
The usual starting dose of Glyburide for adults is 2.5 to 5 mg daily, taken with breakfast or the first main meal. For those sensitive to hypoglycemic drugs, a starting dose of 1.25 mg daily is recommended. The maintenance dose ranges from 1.25 to 20 mg daily, which can be taken as a single dose or divided doses. Glyburide is not recommended for use in children as its safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients.
Warnings and Precautions
Can Glyburide be taken safely while breastfeeding?
It is not known whether Glyburide is excreted in human milk, but some sulfonylurea drugs are known to be excreted in human milk. Due to the potential for hypoglycemia in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or the drug, considering the importance of the drug to the mother. If discontinued, insulin therapy may be considered if diet alone is inadequate.
Can Glyburide be taken safely while pregnant?
Glyburide should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed, as there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Insulin is generally recommended during pregnancy to maintain blood glucose levels close to normal. Prolonged severe hypoglycemia has been reported in neonates born to mothers taking sulfonylureas at delivery. Glyburide should be discontinued at least two weeks before the expected delivery date.
Can I take Glyburide with other prescription drugs?
Glyburide may interact with several medications, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), salicylates, sulfonamides, chloramphenicol, probenecid, coumarins, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and beta-adrenergic blocking agents, which can potentiate its hypoglycemic action. It is contraindicated with bosentan due to increased risk of liver enzyme elevations. Patients should inform their doctor of all medications they are taking to avoid interactions.
Does Glyburide have adverse effects?
Adverse effects are unwanted or harmful effects caused by a medicine. Glyburide can cause low blood sugar, which is common and may lead to symptoms like dizziness or sweating. Other adverse effects include nausea, heartburn, and weight gain. Rare but serious effects needing immediate attention include severe allergic reactions or liver problems. It's important to report any new symptoms to your healthcare provider and not stop the medicine without their guidance.
Does Glyburide have any safety warnings?
Glyburide has safety warnings related to the risk of low blood sugar, which can cause symptoms like dizziness, sweating, or confusion. It's important to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. Another warning is for those with kidney or liver issues, as Glyburide can worsen these conditions. Be cautious of allergic reactions, which may include rash or difficulty breathing. Always inform your doctor of any new symptoms and follow their guidance closely.
Is Glyburide addictive?
Glyburide is not addictive and has no known potential for dependence. It does not cause physical or psychological dependence, so there are no specific behaviors or warning signs to watch for. You can take Glyburide as prescribed by your doctor without worrying about addiction.
Is Glyburide safe for the elderly?
Elderly patients are particularly susceptible to the hypoglycemic action of Glyburide. Hypoglycemia may be difficult to recognize in the elderly, so the initial and maintenance dosing should be conservative to avoid hypoglycemic reactions. Additionally, elderly patients are prone to develop renal insufficiency, which may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Dose selection should include assessment of renal function.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Glyburide?
Drinking alcohol while taking Glyburide can worsen its side effects and may cause symptoms such as flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, weakness, blurred vision, mental confusion, sweating, choking, breathing difficulty, and anxiety. It is advisable to discuss alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider while on Glyburide.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Glyburide?
Glyburide does not inherently limit the ability to exercise. However, it is important to monitor blood sugar levels during physical activity, as exercise can affect blood sugar levels. If you experience symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness or weakness, during exercise, consult your doctor for advice on managing your condition while staying active.
Is it safe to stop Glyburide?
Glyburide is used for managing diabetes, a chronic condition requiring long-term treatment. Stopping it suddenly can lead to uncontrolled blood sugar levels, which may cause serious health issues like hyperglycemia. There are no specific withdrawal symptoms, but the risk of complications from high blood sugar is significant. It's crucial to consult your doctor before stopping Glyburide to discuss alternative treatments or adjustments to your medication plan.
What are the most common side effects of Glyburide?
A side effect is an unwanted effect of a medicine. Common side effects of Glyburide include low blood sugar, nausea, heartburn, weight gain, and skin reactions. These effects may occur when starting the medicine but can be unrelated or temporary. Always talk to your healthcare provider before stopping Glyburide, as they can help manage side effects and adjust your treatment if needed.
Who should avoid taking Glyburide?
Glyburide is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug, diabetic ketoacidosis, type 1 diabetes, and those taking bosentan. It may cause severe hypoglycemia, especially in the elderly, malnourished, or those with renal or hepatic insufficiency. Patients should be informed of the potential risks, including increased cardiovascular mortality, and the importance of adhering to dietary and exercise recommendations.
