Glyburide Alternatives (Cont.)

Glyburide Alternatives: Other Oral Diabetes Medicines

Many different types of oral medications are available to treat type 2 diabetes other than glyburide, including:
 
  • Sulfonylureas
  • Biguanides
  • Meglitinides
  • Thiazolidinediones
  • Alpha glucosidase inhibitors
  • Dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitors
  • Combination medications.
     
Sulfonylureas
Sulfonylureas are medications that force the pancreas to produce more insulin. As a result, they are effective, but are also more likely to cause dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Besides glyburide, these diabetes medications include:
 
Biguanides
Metformin (Fortamet®, Glucophage®, Glucophage XR®, Glumetza®, or Riomet®) is the only biguanide medication currently available. It works by helping the body use its natural insulin better. It also decreases sugar (glucose) production by the liver and decreases sugar absorption from the diet.
 
Meglitinides
Meglitinides are similar to sulfonylureas, in that they force the pancreas to make more insulin. However, they are short-acting and are less likely to cause dangerously low blood sugar. They are usually taken before every meal. Meglitinides include:
 
Thiazolidinediones
These diabetes drugs, also called glitazones, primarily work by helping the body to use its natural insulin better. Medications in this class include:
 
Alpha Glucosidase Inhibitors
These medications prevent the breakdown of sugar and carbohydrates in the digestive tract, slowing down their absorption. They are used to decrease blood sugar levels after meals. Medications in this class include:
 
Dipeptidyl Peptidase Inhibitors
This is the newest class of oral diabetes medications. Although more medications in this group are under development, only one medication is currently available -- sitagliptin (Januvia®). These medications increase incretin levels in the body. Incretin is a hormone that helps to regulate blood sugar.
(Glyburide Alternatives Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;