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Glyburide
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. They help 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.
General considerations for when and how to take glyburide include the following:
- The medication 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 the medication 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 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, which is made into small particles that are better absorbed into the body. These two forms 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.
The dose of glyburide 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 it 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 include:
(Click Glyburide Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Glyburide?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug 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
- Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
- 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.
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 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. 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?
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 take too much, 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 this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
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.
Unmicronized glyburide tablets are available in three strengths:
- Glyburide 1.25 mg
- Glyburide 2.5 mg
- Glyburide 5 mg.
- Micronized glyburide 1.5 mg
- Micronized glyburide 3 mg
- Micronized glyburide 4.5 mg
- Micronized glyburide 6 mg.
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).
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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