Sanofi-aventis manufactures DiaBeta, and Pfizer manufactures Glynase and Micronase. Several manufacturers make
generic glyburide.
Glyburide is part of a class of
diabetes medications known as sulfonylureas. A sulfonylurea, such as glyburide, helps the
pancreas produce more insulin. Sulfonylureas may also help the cells respond better to insulin. This helps to lower blood sugar and keep it under better control.
When and How to Take Glyburide
General considerations for when and how to take glyburide include the following:
- Glyburide comes in tablet form. It should be taken by mouth, usually once or twice a day.
- When taking glyburide once daily, it should be taken with breakfast (or the first main meal).
- When taking glyburide twice daily, the first dose should be taken with breakfast (or the first main meal).
- Glyburide should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
- For glyburide to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
Glyburide Versus Micronized Glyburide
DiaBeta and
Micronase are similar, and both contain glyburide; however,
Glynase is formulated differently. Glynase contains
micronized glyburide (glyburide that is made into very small particles that are better absorbed into the body). Unmicronized glyburide (DiaBeta or Micronase) and micronized glyburide (Glynase) are not interchangeable. An easy way to tell if you are taking unmicronized or micronized glyburide is by looking at the strength: unmicronized glyburide comes in 1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, and 5 mg tablets. Micronized glyburide comes in 1.5 mg, 3 mg, 4.5 mg, and 6 mg tablets.
Dosing Information for Glyburide
The dosage of glyburide that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- How well your diabetes is controlled
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you are currently taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of Glyburide
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with glyburide. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate glyburide quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects of glyburide include:
Drug Interactions With Glyburide
Glyburide: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking glyburide if you have:
- Kidney problems, including kidney failure (renal failure)
- Liver problems, including liver failure or cirrhosis
- Adrenal insufficiency or adrenal fatigue
- Pituitary gland problems
- Any allergies, including allergies to sulfa drugs, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also let your healthcare provider know if you:
- Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Glyburide and Pregnancy)
- Are breastfeeding
- Will be having surgery.
Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Alternatives to Glyburide
In general, treatment for
type 2 diabetes begins with lifestyle changes (for example, weight loss, exercise, and diet). If lifestyle changes alone are not effective in
managing diabetes, medication such as glyburide may be necessary.
The main goal of
diabetes medicine is to lower blood sugar levels enough to reduce your risk of developing problems related to diabetes, such as heart, nerve, eye, or kidney problems. Because glyburide can lower blood sugar levels, people may be able to lower their risk of developing problems related to high blood sugar by taking it.
Glyburide is quite effective at controlling blood sugar. It is also generally well tolerated. However, side effects can occur, or the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, you may need to combine glyburide with another diabetes medicine, such as
metformin (
Glucophage®) or insulin. You may also wish to consider a substitute for glyburide. These substitutes could include other sulfonylureas or other
diabetes drugs, either by themselves or in combination.
To learn about controlling diabetes through lifestyle choices, click the following eMedTV links:
What If I Take an Overdose of Glyburide?
People who take too much glyburide may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Fainting
- Shakiness
- Fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Confusion
- Sweating.
If you happen to overdose on glyburide, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Glyburide Be Stored?
Glyburide should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep glyburide and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Glyburide?
If you do not take your glyburide as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of glyburide.
Unmicronized glyburide tablets are available in three strengths:
- Glyburide 1.25 mg tablets
- Glyburide 2.5 mg tablets
- Glyburide 5 mg tablets.
- Micronized glyburide 1.5 mg tablets
- Micronized glyburide 3 mg tablets
- Micronized glyburide 4.5 mg tablets
- Micronized glyburide 6 mg tablets.
Brand-name micronized glyburide (
Glynase) is not available in the 4.5 mg strength.
Both brand-name and generic versions of glyburide are currently licensed for sale
(see Generic Glyburide).
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print