Glibenclamide

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Glibenclamide belongs to a class of drug known as sulphonylurea and is an oral antidiabetic drug. The drug is used to treat maturity onset diabetes mellitus found in adults and would be used in conjunction with a diabetic diet low in carbohydrates and fats.

Glibenclamide stimulates the secretion of insulin in the pancreas, this allows the uptake of sugar into body cells, which in turn lowers the level of sugar in the blood. However, in times of severe illness, injury or stress this drug may lose its effectiveness, making it necessary to inject insulin. If the dosage taken of glibenclamide is not appropriate poor diabetic control will occur.

Glibenclamide would be given to elderly patient with caution. Dosage should generally be substantially lower than for younger patients and it is common to start with about 50% of the adult dose. Some drugs (e.g. long-acting antidiabetic drugs such as glibenclamide and chlorpropamide) should be avoided altogether. Glibenclamide and chlorpropamide are associated with a greater risk of hypoglycaemia; (low blood sugar) for this reason they should be avoided in the elderly and shorter-acting alternatives, such as gliclazide or tolbutamide, should be used instead.

Detailed Information

Quick Guide

• Oral antidiabetic danger of overdose – HIGH.
• Dependency is said to be – LOW.
• Prescription only drug – YES.
• Available as generic – YES. (generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without patent protection.
• Alcohol Avoidance – YES.
• Alcohol drinks may well upset diabetic control.

Side Effects

You may if you have been prescribed glibenclamide suffer one or more of these side-effects in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all. It does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted adverse effects for everybody.

Common: Confusion, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Fainting, Sweating, Tremor, Weakness.
Rare: Itching, Jaundice, Nausea, Rash, Vomiting, Weight changes.

Serious side effects from this drug are rare, the more common side-effects, companied with hunger, may be signs of low blood sugar due to lack of food or maybe to high a dose of the drug.

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using glibenclamide. It may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist before starting treatment.

Prolonged Use

No problems would be expected. As well as the usual monitoring of urine/blood sugar levels, it may also require periodic checks of the eyes, heart and kidneys.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

There is usually no problems with driving/hazardous work. However, If you have warning signs of low blood sugar refrain from these activities. Alcohol drinks may well upset diabetic control increasing the risk of hypoglycaemia.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

Would not usually be prescribed. Insulin gives better diabetic control and would generally be given instead of glibenclamide throughout pregnancy. If you are breast feeding the drug passes into the milk, it is important to discuss both these issues with your doctor.

Glibenclamide is classified as a pregnancy Category B medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA). Category B… Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the foetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women OR animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the foetus in any trimester.

Tell Your Doctor

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary / alternative preparations.

Over 60′s & Children

Other oral antidiabetic drugs would be preferred to glibenclamide such as the shorter-acting alternatives gliclazide or tolbutamide. When glibenclamide is used there is a greater risk of low blood sugars (hypoglycemia) If prescribed a reduced dose would be necessary. Glibenclamide Is not prescribed for infants or children.

Overdose

Take glibenclamide exactly as directed by your doctor. You should seek immediate medical advice in all cases of overdose. If early warning symptoms of excessively low blood sugar such as fainting sweating, trembling confusion or headache occur drink or eat something sugary. If fits or lose of consciousness occur emergency action needs to be taken go to your nearest accident and emergency department of your local hospital taking the container with you. Even if it is empty. An overdose of glibenclamide can be fatal.

Other Medication Reactions

Warfarin, sulphonamides and other antibacterials, anti fungals, aspirin, beta blockers and Ace inhibitors will increase the risk of low blood sugar. The opposite is also possible. Other drugs such as corticosteroids, oesrogens, diuretics and rifampioin may increase blood sugar.

Surgery and Dental Treatment

You will need to tell your doctor or dentist that you are diabetic before you undergo an surgery under a general anaesthetic or dental treatment. This is because In these situations blood sugar is normally controlled by insulin. If you need to take painkillers following a tooth extraction do not take aspirin as it may thin the blood and this would interfere with blood clotting.

Missed A Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember (with food) and take your next dose at the usual time, unless, it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Never take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

It is important that you do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor. as it can lead to a worsening of the condition.

Effect Of Medication (from one dose)

The onset of effects could be felt within in 3 hours, while the effects could last up to 10 to 15 hours.

Storage and Safety

• Keep glibenclamide in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach and eye sight of children.
• Do not store medication above a temperature of 25°C.
• Never take more than the original dosage prescribed by your doctor.
• If you due to have treatment like an operation or dental work tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
• It is important that you follow any dietary instructions that you have been given by your doctor or diabetic nurse.
• When you buy any medicines over-the-counter check with the pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
• Never take glibenclamide if it has past the expiry date shown on the box or container.
• Do not discard old or unwanted drugs into your trash, sink or toilet.
• Return all unused or old medicines/drugs to your pharmacist. who will dispose of them safely.

If glibenclamide has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or others feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.