Glibenclamide
Glibenclamide is a type of medicine called sulphonylurea used to control blood sugar levels in people with type-2 diabetes. A person with type-2 diabetes has a deficiency of a hormone called insulin. Insulin is made through the pancreas which is the leading hormone accountable for regulating sugar levels in the blood. It usually makes the cells of the body eliminate extra sugar from the blood. In type-2 diabetes, insulin is made inadequately in response to surges of blood sugar. The cells of the body become resistant to the action of insulin that is made as well. It means that the blood sugar levels become too high. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney;
- Nerve problems
- Loss of limbs
- Kidney damage
- Blindness
Glibenclamide stimulates the cells in the pancreas that creates insulin. These cells are called beta cells. This drug causes the beta cells to make more insulin. This helps to reduce the amount of sugar in the blood of people with type-2 diabetes.
How to Use It
- Take Glibenclamide exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- The usual starting dose for an adult is 5 mg every day. It is prescribed as a single dose to be taken with food or after breakfast.
- The dose for a child will differ depending on their body weight and might be required more than once each day. Follow the instructions of your doctor carefully.
- If you forget to take a dose at the usual time, take it with your next meal. If you do not remember until the following day, skip the missed dose.
- Do not take two doses on the same day to make up for a forgotten dose.
Possible Side Effects of Glibenclamide
Common side effects:
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Hives or rash
- Numbness and tingling
- Weight gain
- Low blood sugar
- High blood sugar
- Stomach fullness
Serious side effects:
- Headache
- Trouble concentrating
- Headache
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Pale skin
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain
- Memory problems
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Low-grade fever
- Unsteadiness
What Should I Know Before Taking Glibenclamide?
- Your doctor needs to know if you are planning to become pregnant, you are pregnant, or breastfeeding women. Your doctor can discuss with you the risks and benefits involved.
- Inform your doctor if you are allergic to this drug, any other medicine, certain foods, or preservatives.
- Tell your doctor if you have had any of the following medical conditions;
- Liver or kidney problems
- Heart failure
- Glucose-6-phosphate deficiency
- You do not eat regular meals
- You drink alcohol in any amount
- You are taking any anti-diabetic treatment
Getting the Most from Your Treatment
- You must keep your regular clinic appointments so that your progress can be monitored.
- If your doctor has given you advice about changes to your diet, taking regular exercise, or stopping smoking, you need to follow that given advice.
- Low blood sugar may happen if you exercise more than usual, if you miss a meal, if you drink alcohol, or if you are ill.
- Do not drink alcohol. It can affect the control of your blood sugar. Ask your doctor if you need additional advice about this.
- If you buy any drugs, always check with a pharmacist that they are appropriate for you to take.
