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 Drug Name
Glyburide (Glyburide)
Drug Uses
Glyburide is used in type 2 diabetes to help lower and control blood sugars in those not controlled by diet alone. Studies have shown that strict sugar control in diabetics decreases the risks of eye, kidney, and nerve damage. Oral sulfonylureas are used in type 2 diabetics after a trial on a strict diabetic diet and usually before insulin is tried.
How Taken
Take glyburide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Glyburide is usually taken before breakfast or the first main meal if it is taken once a day, or before meals if it is taken multiple times each day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
It is important to take glyburide regularly to get the most benefit.
Do not change your dose of glyburide without first talking to your doctor.
Your healthcare provider may recommend regular monitoring of blood sugar levels with blood or urine tests.
Store glyburide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Glyburide is an oral glucose lowering-drug in a class of diabetes medicines called sulfonylureas. Glyburide lowers the sugar level by stimulating insulin secretion in the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone which lowers the blood sugar level.
Approximately 90% of patients with diabetes have type 2 or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus . Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in adulthood, and is associated with obesity and a strong family history of the disease. Sugar (glucose) intolerance is related to impaired insulin secretion by the pancreas and resistance to insulin at the cell level.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
Storage
Glyburide should be stored at room temperature in a tight container.
Warnings/Precautions
Treatment with glyburide may increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease compared to treatment of diabetes with diet alone or diet plus insulin. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of treatment with glyburide.
Know the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which include headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, and nausea. Carry a piece of hard candy or glucose tablets with you to treat episodes of low blood sugar.
Follow diet, medication, and exercise routines closely. Changing any of them can affect blood sugar levels.
Do not change your dose of glyburide without first talking to your doctor. Avoid alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may interfere with diabetes treatment.
Possible Side Effects
Stop taking glyburide and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects from glyburide result mostly from blood sugar levels that are either too high or too low. You should be familiar with the symptoms of both high and low blood sugar levels and know how to treat both conditions. Also, be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency situation.
Low blood sugar may occur when too much glyburide is taken; when meals are missed or delayed; if you exercise more than usual; during illness, especially with vomiting or diarrhea; if you take other medications; after drinking alcohol; and in other situations.
Hypoglycemia or Low blood sugar has the following symptoms:
- shaking
- headache
- cold sweats
- pale, cool skin
- anxiety
- difficulty concentrating
Keep hard, sugary candy; chocolate; fruit juice; or glucose tablets on hand to treat episodes of low blood sugar.
Increased blood sugar may occur when not enough glyburide is taken; if you eat significantly more food than usual; if you exercise less than usual; if you take other medications; during fever or other illness; and in other situations.
Hyperglycemia or High blood sugar has the following symptoms:
- increased thirst
- increased hunger
- increased urination
There may be an increased risk of death due to cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) complications with the use of glyburide when compared to the treatment of diabetes with diet or diet plus insulin. The long-term use of glyburide should be discussed with your doctor.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
More Information
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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