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Glibenclamide - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

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Information about Glibenclamide

Generic Name : Glibenclamide
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Glibenclamide are provided here.

Pronunciation : Gli-ben-cla-mide

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Glibenclamide, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.
You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.


Therapeutic Classification : Antidiabetics

Trade Names/Brand Names of Glibenclamide

India :

Other Name(s) of Glibenclamide

Glyburide

Overview of Glibenclamide

• Glibenclamide (glyburide) is an oral anti-diabetic drug.
• It is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes to control the blood sugar level.

Why is Glibenclamide Prescribed? (Indications)

Glibenclamide is an oral hypoglycemic (glucose lowering) drug used to control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes in addition to diet and exercise.
It belongs to the chemical group of sulfonylureas.

When should Glibenclamide not be taken? (Contraindications)

Glibenclamide should not be used in patients with:

• Allergy to the drug
Diabetic ketoacidosis, which requires insulin treatment
• Type 1 diabetes, where it is ineffective
• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, due to the risk of breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia)
• Severe liver or kidney disease

It should also be avoided in:
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Patients taking bosentan, due to a risk of liver damage

What is the dosage of Glibenclamide?

• The treatment is started with a low dose of 2.5 mg per day, and increased up to a maximum of 20 mg per day according to the blood glucose levels.

How should Glibenclamide be taken?

• This drug should be taken orally once daily after breakfast or after the first meal of the day.

What are the warnings and precautions for Glibenclamide?

• Monitor blood sugar level on a regular basis during the treatment

• Patients undergoing stressful conditions like fever, trauma or surgery may require temporary switching to insulin

• Use with caution in patients with diabetes-related nerved damage or with endocrine disorders

• Patients should be taught to recognize symptoms of low blood sugar and how to treat it on an emergency basis.

• • They should be advised to contact an emergency center at the earliest.

What are the side effects of Glibenclamide?

Digestive tract: Nausea, vomiting, flatulence, abdominal fullness, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, liver dysfunction
Skin: Rash, skin swelling, photosensitivity reactions (skin reactions following exposure to sunlight) including porphyria cutanea tarda (which is associated with an enzyme deficiency)
Blood: Low blood counts, low blood glucose levels, low blood sodium levels
Others: Tiredness, weakness, fever, other allergic reactions, weight gain, joint or muscle pain, vasculitis.

What are the other precautions for Glibenclamide?

• Alcohol intake should be stopped while taking this drug since the combination can result in an unpleasant reaction called disulfiram-type reaction.
• Also, alcohol can also cause additional reduction in blood glucose levels.

What are the Drug Interactions of Glibenclamide?

• Glibenclamide can interact with the following medications when taken together:

• Drugs like non-steroidal painkillers, ciprofloxacin and propranolol can increase the chances of lowering the blood sugar levels below normal and resulting in hypoglycemia.
• Bosentan can increase the risk of liver damage.
• Thiazide diuretics, corticosteroids, and other drugs could increase blood sugar levels and result in loss of blood glucose control.
• Colesevelam, can reduce glibenclamide levels in the blood. Therefore, glibenclamide should be taken at least 4 hours before colesevelam.

What are the storage conditions for Glibenclamide?

• Should be stored at room temperature, keep it away from heat.
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