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ANTIDIABETICS, ORAL

ANTIDIABETICS, ORAL
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ANTIDIABETICS, ORAL

BRAND & GENERIC NAMES

See complete list of brand and generic names in the Brand &
Generic Name Directory.

BASIC INFORMATION

Habit forming? No

Prescription needed? Yes

Available as generic? No

Drug class: Antidiabetic (oral), sulfonurea

USES

Treatment for diabetes in adults and children who can't control
blood sugar by diet, weight loss and exercise.

DOSAGE & USAGE INFORMATION

How to take:
Tablet -- Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach
irritation. If you can't swallow whole, crumble tablet and take
with liquid or food.
When to take:
At the same times each day.
If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2
hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).
What drug does:
Stimulates pancreas to produce more insulin. Insulin in blood
forces cells to use sugar in blood.

Time lapse before drug works:
3 to 4 hours. May require 2 weeks for maximum benefit.
Don't take with:
Any other medicines, even over-the-counter drugs such as cough
and cold medicines, nose drops, diet pills, laxatives or
caffeine, without consulting your doctor.
OVERDOSE
SYMPTOMS:
Excessive hunger, nausea, anxiety, cool skin, cold sweats,
drowsiness, rapid heartbeat, weakness, unconsciousness, coma.
WHAT TO DO:

Dial 0 (operator) or 911 (emergency) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.

See EMERGENCY INFORMATION.

POSSIBLE ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS

SYMPTOMS WHAT TO DO

Life-threatening:
None expected.
Common:

Dizziness. Discontinue. Call doctor right away.

Diarrhea, appetite Continue. Call doctor loss, nausea, when convenient. stomach pain, heartburn. Infrequent: Low blood sugar Discontinue. Seek (hunger, anxiety, emergency treatment. cold sweats, rapid pulse), drowsiness, nervousness, headache, weakness, rapid heartbeat. Rare:

Itching or rash, Discontinue. Call sore throat, fever, doctor right away. ringing in ears, unusual bleeding or bruising, fatigue, jaundice, joint pain, numbness or tingling in hands or feet.

Excess urination at Continue. Call doctor night. when convenient.

WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if:

You are allergic to any sulfonurea.

You have impaired kidney or liver function. Before you start, consult your doctor

If you have a severe infection.

If you have thyroid disease.

If you take insulin.

If you have heart disease. Pregnancy: No proven harm to unborn child. Avoid if possible. Infants & children: Don't give to infants or young children unless prescribed and monitored by your physician. Prolonged use: None expected. Skin & sunlight: May cause rash or intensify sunburn in areas exposed to sun or sunlamp. Driving or hazardous activities: No age-related problems expected unless you develop hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). If so, avoid driving or hazardous activity. Discontinuing: Don't discontinue without consulting doctor. Dose may require gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long time. Doses of other drugs may also require adjustment. Others: Don't exceed recommended dose. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) may occur, even with proper dose schedule. You must balance medicine, diet and exercise.

Androgens Increased

(see Drugs Glossary) antidiabetic effect.

Anticoagulants (oral, Unpredictable

see Drugs Glossary) prothrombin times.

Anticonvulsants Decreased

(hydantoin, see antidiabetic

Drugs Glossary) effect.

Aspirin Increased antidiabetic effect.

Beta-adrenergic Increased

blockers (see antidiabetic effect.

Drugs Glossary) Possible increased difficulty in

regulating blood-sugar levels.

Chloramphenicol Increased antidiabetic effect.

Clofibrate Increased antidiabetic effect.

Contraceptives (oral, Decreased

see Drugs Glossary) antidiabetic effect.

Cortisone drugs Decreased antidiabetic effect.

Diuretics (thiazide, Decreased

see Drugs Glossary) antidiabetic effect.

Epinephrine Decreased antidiabetic effect.

Estrogens Increased antidiabetic effect.

Guanethidine Unpredictable antidiabetic effect.

Labetolol Increased antidiabetic effect, may

mask hypoglycemia.

Non-steroidal Increased

anti-inflammatory antidiabetic effect.

drugs (NSAIDs,

see Drugs Glossary)

POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES

Tobacco: None expected.

From Complete Guide to Pediatric Symptoms, Illness & Medications by H. Winter Griffith, M.D. Copyright by Putnam Publishing Group. Electronic rights by Medical Data Exchange.