Glibenclamide
Uses of Glibenclamide
Glibenclamide is commonly used in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
How Glibenclamide Works
Glibenclamide is a sulfonylurea, an antidiabetic drug. It works by increasing the amount of insulin the pancreas makes, therefore creating a low blood glucose environment in the body. This helps insulin work more efficiently in the peripheral organs and reduce glucose production by the liver.
Side Effects of Glibenclamide
Weight Gain, Nausea, Heartburn, Diarrhea, Rashes, Skin itch, Joint pain, Muscle pain, Low blood glucose.
Warnings
Kidney Use With Care
Glibenclamide requires dose adjustment for patients with mild to moderate kidney disease as it is partially excreted in the urine. Please consult your doctor. Patients with severe kidney disease are contraindicated from taking Glibenclamide.
Alcohol Not Advisable
Glibenclamide is known to have an effect similar to a drug called disulfiram, which is used to curb chronic alcoholism. It renders the patient being acutely sensitive to alcohol and feeling unwell.
Pregnancy Not Safe
Glibenclamide may be unsafe to use during pregnancy as animal studies have shown adverse effects on the foetus and human studies also showed some adverse effect. Therefore, please consult your doctor to discuss the benefits over the risks of taking sulfonylurea due to their chance of having too low blood sugar.
Driving Generally Safe
Glibenclamide usually does not affect the ability to drive. Do not drive unless you are feeling well.
Liver Use With Care
Glibenclamide may require dose adjustments for patients with liver disease so please consult your doctor before starting Glibenclamide. However, patients with severe liver disease are contraindicated from taking Glibenclamide.
Lactation Not Advisable
Glibenclamide being excreted into the breast milk has not been made certain but the risk of having a baby with too low blood sugar cannot be excluded. Therefore, it isn't safe for breastfeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
