Glyburide Oral Tablet

Name: Glyburide Oral Tablet

Highlights for glyburide

Glyburide is an oral drug that’s used to treat type 2 diabetes.

While taking this medication, you’ll need to test your blood sugar level. You’ll also need to learn how to spot and treat low and high blood sugar reactions.

Make sure to carry a quick source of sugar, such as hard candy or glucose tablets, with you in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar.

Your dose depends on your age, blood sugar levels, and the form of the drug that you’re taking.

Common side effects include diarrhea, dizziness, headache, heartburn, nausea, and gas.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) See Details

  • Different forms of this drug See Details

  • Injury/infection/surgery See Details

What is glyburide?

Glyburide is a prescription drug. It’s available as an oral tablet.

Glyburide is available in its generic form. Generic drugs usually cost less. In some cases they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if the generic will work for you.

This drug may be used as part of a combination therapy. That means you need to take it with other drugs.

Why it's used

Glyburide is used with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes in adults.

How it works

Glyburide belongs to a class of medications called sulfonylureas.

More Details

Glyburide Side Effects

Most Common Side Effects

The most common side effects that occur with glyburide include:

  • diarrhea

  • dizziness

  • headache

  • heartburn

  • nausea

  • gas

  • weight gain

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious Side Effects

If you experience any of these serious side effects, call your doctor right away. If your symptoms may be life-threatening, or if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911.

  • allergic reaction, with symptoms such as:

    • skin rash or blisters
    • itching
    • hives
    • swelling of your face, lips, or tongue
    • trouble breathing
  • hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), with symptoms such as:

    • confusion
    • increased hunger
    • dizziness
    • feeling anxious
    • sweating
    • shakiness
    • feeling cold
    • irritability
    • headache
    • blurred vision
    • fast heart rate
    • loss of consciousness
    • feeling unusually weak or tired
  • liver problems, with symptoms such as:

    • dark urine
    • jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes)
  • flu-like symptoms

  • unusual bleeding or bruising

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare provider who knows your medical history.

Glyburide May Interact with Other Medications

Glyburide can interact with other medications, herbs, or vitamins you might be taking. That’s why your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. If you’re curious about how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: You can reduce your chances of drug interactions by having all of your prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy. That way, a pharmacist can check for possible drug interactions.

Alcohol Interactions

Drinking alcohol can affect how well your body can control your blood sugar. You should limit how much alcohol you drink while you’re on this drug.

Medications That Might Interact with This Drug

Bosentan (Tracleer)

You shouldn’t take bosentan and glyburide at the same time. Taking these medications together may damage your liver.

Cisapride

If you’re taking these drugs together, your dose of glyburide may need to be changed to make sure that it’s controlling your blood sugar.

Antibiotics for infections and ulcers due to H. pylori
  • clarithromycin

Taking clarithromycin with glyburide can increase the amount of glyburide in your body. This may cause symptoms of low blood sugar.

Drugs for reflux, nausea, and vomiting
  • metoclopramide

If you’re taking metoclopramide with glyburide, your dose of glyburide may need to be changed. This is done to make sure that it’s still controlling your blood sugar.

Drugs for cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis
  • methotrexate

You shouldn’t take methotrexate and glyburide at the same time. Taking these medications together can cause methotrexate levels to increase in your body and become toxic.

Drugs for tuberculosis
  • rifampin

Rifampin can lower the amount of glyburide in your body. This means that glyburide may not work as well to control your blood sugar.

Antacids
  • cimetidine
  • ranitidine 

Taking antacids with glyburide may cause increased effects of glyburide in your body. This can cause symptoms of low blood sugar.

Diuretics
  • bumetanide
  • furosemide
  • hydrochlorothiazide
  • triamterene

Taking diuretics can cause high or low blood sugar in people with diabetes. You should monitor your blood sugar regularly if you’re taking the medications together. Your doctor may change your dose of glyburide or other diabetes medications.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Examples are:

  • ibuprofen
  • naproxen

Taking NSAIDs with glyburide can cause symptoms of low blood sugar. 

Drugs for fungal or yeast infections
  • fluconazole
  • ketoconazole

Taking antifungal drugs with glyburide can increase the levels of glyburide in your body. This can cause symptoms of low blood sugar.

Aspirin

This drug may increase the effect of glyburide and cause low blood sugar.

Drugs for gout
  • probenecid

This drug may increase the effect of glyburide and cause low blood sugar.

Drugs for eye infections
  • chloramphenicol

This drug may increase the effect of glyburide and cause low blood sugar.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
  • phenelzine
  • selegeline

These drugs may increase the effect of glyburide and cause low blood sugar.

Drugs for blood pressure (beta blockers)
  • nadolol
  • propranolol
  • sotolol

These drugs may increase the effect of glyburide and cause low blood sugar.

Corticosteroids
  • prednisone

These drugs can decrease the effect of glyburide and cause high blood sugar.

Antipsychotic drugs
  • clozapine
  • Zyprexa
  • Abilify
  • Geodon

These drugs can decrease the effect of glyburide and cause high blood sugar.

Thyroid drugs
  • levothyroxine
  • liotrix
  • liothyronine

These drugs can decrease the effect of glyburide and cause high blood sugar.

Hormone therapy or oral birth control pills
  • estrogen
  • progesterone

These drugs can decrease the effect of glyburide and cause high blood sugar.

Drugs for seizures
  • phenytoin

This drug can decrease the effect of glyburide and cause high blood sugar.

Drugs for blood pressure (calcium channel blockers)
  • amlodipine
  • verapamil
  • nifedipine

These drugs can decrease the effect of glyburide and cause high blood sugar.

Vitamins
  • niacin

This drug can decrease the effect of glyburide and cause high blood sugar.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking. Glyburide Warnings

People with diabetic ketoacidosis

Don’t use glyburide if you have diabetic ketoacidosis (with or without coma). Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes. It occurs when your body produces high levels of the blood acids called ketones. This condition should be treated with insulin.

People with type 1 diabetes

Don’t use glyburide for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. Glyburide works by increasing the amount of insulin your pancreas produces. In type 1 diabetes, your body no longer produces insulin, so glyburide won’t help.

People with heart problems

Glyburide can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. This can sometimes be fatal. Tell your doctor if you have a heart condition before you take this drug.

People with thyroid problems

Tell your doctor if you have a thyroid disorder because this affects how your body controls your blood sugar levels. Your doctor may need to change the dose of your medications to help control your diabetes and thyroid.

People with kidney disease

If you have kidney problems, you may not be able to clear this drug from your body as well as you should. Glyburide may build up in your body, which can cause lower blood sugar levels.

People with liver disease

Your doctor may lower your dose of glyburide if you have liver damage or liver disease.

Pregnant women

Glyburide carries different risks depending on which manufacturer of glyburide you use.

Glynase PresTabs (micronized glyburide)

There aren’t enough studies done in pregnant women to show if the drug poses a risk to the pregnancy.

Diabeta (glyburide)

This form is a pregnancy category C drug. This means two things:

  1. Research in animals has shown adverse effects to the fetus when the mother takes the drug.
  2. There haven’t been enough studies done in humans to be certain how the drug might affect the fetus.

Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Glyburide should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Women who are nursing

Glyburide isn’t shown to pass through breast milk. 

However, you should tell your doctor if you’re breastfeeding. Your child will be monitored for signs of low blood sugar. 

You and your doctor may need to decide if you’ll take glyburide or breastfeed.

For Seniors

People 65 years and older may have a stronger reaction to glyburide. It may also be more difficult to recognize the symptoms of low blood sugar. Your doctor may give you a lower dose.

For Children

The safety and effectiveness of glyburide haven’t been established in people younger than 18 years old.

When to call the doctor

Call your doctor if you have signs of low blood sugar or high blood sugar. If these symptoms are severe, go to the emergency room.

Symptoms of low blood sugar include:

  • sweating
  • chills
  • feeling nervous or anxious
  • headaches
  • dizziness
  • shakiness
  • blurred vision
  • fast heart rate
  • seizures
  • loss of consciousness
  • loss of coordination

Symptoms of high blood sugar include:

  • frequent urination
  • feeling very thirsty or hungry
  • fatigue
  • blurred vision
  • bruises that heal slowly
  • tingling, pain, or numbness in your hands or feet

Allergies

Glyburide can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms may include:

  • trouble breathing
  • swelling of your throat or tongue
  • hives

Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal.

How to Take glyburide (Dosage)

All possible dosages and forms may not be included here. Your dose, form, and how often you take it will depend on:

  • your age
  • the condition being treated
  • how severe your condition is
  • other medical conditions you have
  • how you react to the first dose

What Are You Taking This Medication For?

Type 2 diabetes

Brand: Diabeta

Form: Oral tablet Strengths: 1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, and 5 mg

Brand: Glynase PresTabs

Form: Oral tablet Strengths: 1.5 mg, 3 mg, and 6 mg

Generic: Glyburide

Form: Oral tablet Strengths: 1.25 mg and 2.5 mg

Generic: Glyburide (Micronized)

Form: Oral tablet Strengths: 1.5 mg, 3 mg, and 6 mg Adult Dosage (ages 18-64 years)

Glyburide tablets

  • Starting dose: 2.5–5 mg taken by mouth once per day
  • Dose adjustments: Your doctor may increase your dose or switch you to taking two doses per day. They’ll decide this based on your blood sugar levels.

Glyburide (Micronized) tablets

  • Starting dose: 1.5–3 mg taken by mouth once per day
  • Dose adjustments: Your doctor may increase your dose each week by up to 1.5 mg per day based on your blood sugar levels.
Child Dosage (ages 0-17 years)

A safe and effective dose for children hasn’t been established.

Senior Dosage (ages 65 years and older)

Glyburide tablets

  • Starting dose: 1.25 mg taken by mouth once per day
  • Dose adjustments will be done slowly, if needed.

Glyburide (Micronized) tablets

  • Starting dose: 0.75 mg taken by mouth once per day
  • Dose adjustments will be done slowly, if needed.
Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always to speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you. Important Considerations for Taking Glyburide

Take glyburide with your first meal of the day and with water. Don't skip meals

Store glyburide at room temperature from 59–77°F (15–25°C)

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Prescription is refillable

Travel

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Self-Management

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Clinical Monitoring

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Your Diet

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Sun Sensitivity

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Hidden Costs

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Are There Any Alternatives?

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