Glibenclamide

Introduction: Glibenclamide is a medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. It belongs to a group of medicines called sulfonylureas and helps control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

How it works: Glibenclamide lowers blood glucose concentration principally by stimulating secretion of endogenous insulin from the pancreatic beta-cells.

Important Information: Take with food. Take it regularly at the same time each day. Do not stop without consulting your doctor. Regular blood sugar monitoring is recommended.

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Sulfonylureas

Sulfonylurea antidiabetic

Glibenclamide appears to lower the blood glucose acutely by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas, an effect dependent upon functioning beta cells in the pancreatic islets. The mechanism by which Glibenclamide lowers blood glucose during long-term administration has not been clearly established. With chronic administration of Glibenclamide in Type 2 diabetic patients, the blood glucose lowering effect persists despite a gradual decline in the insulin secretory response to the drug.

Glibenclamide increases insulin secretion from the pancreas to lower blood sugar levels.

Adult Dose:

• Initial: 2.5-5 mg daily (with breakfast or first main meal)
• Increase by 2.5 mg at weekly intervals
• Maintenance: 1.25-20 mg daily (single or divided doses)
• Maximum: 20 mg daily
• Doses >10 mg daily should be given in 2 divided doses

Elderly: Initial 1.25 mg daily

Children: Safety and efficacy not established

Severe Hepatic/Renal: Contraindicated

* Use as directed by the registered physician

Oral tablet. Take with food (with breakfast or first main meal). Swallow whole, do not chew or crush.

If a meal is skipped, skip the dose, and add a dose if you eat an extra meal.

Common Side Effects:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Nausea
• Headache
• Dizziness

Precautions:

• Driving ability may be affected if blood sugar is too low or too high.
• Avoid skipping meals.
• Avoid alcohol (increases hypoglycemia risk).
• Regular liver function tests recommended.
• Inform doctor if abdominal pain, loss of appetite, or yellowing of eyes/skin occurs.

Contraindications:

• Severe or life-threatening hyperglycemia
• Severe liver or renal failure
• Type 1 diabetes
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (with or without coma)
• Patients with severe infection or trauma

Drug Interactions:

• May increase hypoglycemic effect with MAOIs, chloramphenicol, fluoroquinolones, probenecid, NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, fluoxetine, salicylates, sulfonamides, beta-blockers
• May decrease hypoglycemic effect with thiazide diuretics, corticosteroids, phenothiazines, thyroid agents, estrogens, OC, phenytoin, rifampicin

Food Interactions:

• Unsafe to consume alcohol with Glibenclamide.

Use in Pregnancy: Generally considered safe during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects.

Use in Lactation: Probably safe during breastfeeding. Monitor the breastfed baby's blood sugar.

Pediatric Use: Safety and efficacy in children have not been established.

Geriatric Use: Initial dose 1.25 mg daily. May be more sensitive to hypoglycemia.

Renal Impairment: Unsafe in kidney disease and should be avoided.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution in liver disease. Not recommended in severe liver disease (may cause very low blood sugar).

Overdose: Severe hypoglycemic reactions with coma, seizure occur infrequently. Treatment of hypoglycemia: oral glucose or IV dextrose.

Storage: Store below 30°C, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Glibenclamide Tablet