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from eMedTV.comBiguanides
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.
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 Prandin, these medications include:
- Chlorpropamide (Diabinese®)
- Glimepiride (Amaryl®)
- Glipizide (Glucotrol®, Glucotrol XL®)
- Glyburide (DiaBeta®, Micronase®, Glynase®)
- Tolazamide (Tolinase®)
- Tolbutamide (Orinase®).
Thiazolidinediones
These diabetes drugs, also called glitazones, primarily work by helping the body to better use its natural insulin. Medications in this class include:
- Pioglitazone (Actos®)
- Rosiglitazone (Avandia®).
Alpha Glucosidase Inhibitors
These diabetes 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 a relatively new class of oral diabetes drugs. Currently, there are four medications available in the group -- alogliptin (Nesina®), linagliptin (Tradjenta®), sitagliptin (Januvia®), and saxagliptin (Onglyza®). These drugs increase incretin levels in the body. Incretin is a hormone that helps to control blood sugar.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD