Glyburide reduces the level of sugar in the blood by increasing the production of insulin by the pancreas and helping the body to use it efficiently.

 

What is Glyburide?

Along with a well-balanced diet and physical activity, Glyburide is sometimes combined with other drugs and is used to treat type 2 diabetes.

It is not suitable for the treatment of type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

 

How should Glyburide be taken?

Glyburide is taken orally in tablet form. Typically, one tablet per day is advised to be taken at breakfast or with the first big meal of the day. In some cases, it may be necessary to take Glyburide twice a day.  A physician may initially prescribe a low dose of Glyburide and then gradually increase it whenever necessary.  

 

Side effects associated with Glyburide

Glyburide may cause hypoglycemia, triggering symptoms such as loss of consciousness and convulsions requiring immediate care.

 

The possible side effects of this drug include the following:

  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Rash
  • Feeling bloated/ full stomach

 

It is important to contact a doctor immediately if taking the drug triggers:  

  • Diarrhea
  • Pain in the upper right abdomen
  • Fever
  • Swelling of eyes, face, lips, tongue or throat
  • Jaundice
  • Unexplained bruising or bleeding
  • Sore throat
  • Production of light-colored stools
  • Dark urine

 

Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Glyburide

Intake of Glyburide should be associated in adherence with the instructions given by your doctor regarding nutrition and physical activity. Before taking the drug, it is important to inform your doctor:

  • If you have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or other drugs
  • If you have been taking Bosentan
  • If you have been taking any medicinal products, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular:  ACE inhibitors, anticoagulants, NSAIDs, beta blockers, calcium antagonists, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, disopyramide, diuretics, fluconazole, fluoxetine, hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills, insulin and other anti-diabetic drugs, isoniazid, MAO inhibitors, drugs against asthma or colds, anti-nausea drugs, miconazole, niacin, oral steroids, phenytoin, probenecid, antibiotic, rifampin, salicylates, sulfasalazine, and thyroid medication
  • If you suffer (or have suffered) from G6PD deficiency, hormonal disorders, heart disease, kidney or liver disease
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding

 

In any case, it is important to inform surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with Glyburide. Also during treatment, it is recommended to limit the consumption of alcohol (which can worsen the side effects of the medication) and avoid unnecessary exposure or prolonged exposure to the sun by protecting oneself adequately from UV rays.