Glibenclamide

Glibenclamide or glyburide is useful for controlling high blood sugar levels in  type 2 diabetics.  This drug needs to be combined with exercise and a healthy diet to control blood sugar levels more effectively . 

Glibenclamide works by stimulating the pancreas to increase the production and use of the hormone insulin by the body. This hormone is responsible for entering blood sugar into the body's cells, so that the blood sugar level can decrease.

Glibenclamide is not intended for patients with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis  complications .

Glibenclamide trademarks :  Velacom 2, Velacom 3, Glimepiride, Versibet 3, Amadiab 1, Amadiab 2, Amadiab 3, Amadiab 4, Velacom 1 ODT, Glimetic 2, Metrix, Gluvas M, Friladar 3, Simryl 2, Glimepix 3, Glimepix 2 , Glimefion, Glucoryl

What is Glibenclamide

Warnings Before Consuming Glibenclamide

There are several things you should pay attention to before consuming glibenclamide, namely:

• Do not take glibenclamide if you are allergic to this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you suffer from liver disease, kidney disease, G6PD deficiency , thyroid disease, Addison's disease , syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), hyponatremia , or autonomic nervous system disorders.
• Tell your doctor if you are using other drugs, including supplements and herbal products, to anticipate drug interactions.
• Tell your doctor that you are taking glibenclamide if you are scheduled to undergo dental treatment or surgery.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages during treatment with glibenclamide, as it can increase the risk of low blood sugar ( hypoglycemia ).
• Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and use sunscreen  if you are active in the sun, because Glibenclamide can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
• Immediately go to the doctor if there is a drug allergic reaction  or a more serious side effect after using glibenclamide.

Dosage and Administration of Glibenclamide

The initial dose of glibenclamide is 2.5–5 mg per day. The dose can be increased every week by 2.5 mg if the blood sugar level still tends to be high ( hyperglycemia ).

The maximum dose is 20 mg per day. Doses that are more than 10 mg per day need to be divided into 2 consumption schedules.

How to Consume Glibenclamide Correctly

Follow the rules of use and dosage given by the doctor  and read the instructions for use on the packaging. Glibenclamide should be consumed at breakfast or immediately after breakfast.

To be more effective, consume this medicine at the same time every day. Do not reduce, increase, or stop medication without consulting a doctor first.

If you forget to take glibenclamide in the morning, take this medicine at the next meal. However, if you forget until the next day, ignore the missed dose.

Routine consumption of glibenclamide according to the prescribed dose. Do not increase or decrease the dose. If you want to change the brand of glibenclamide, consult your doctor again, because the dosage and type of glibenclamide in each brand can be different.

To help control blood sugar levels, you are also advised to consume nutritious food regularly and exercise regularly. Consult with a doctor about the best type of exercise, according to your condition.

Treatment for diabetes should be done routinely and maintained for life. In addition, you also need to check blood sugar levels routinely to monitor the effectiveness of the medicine. Therefore, follow the control schedule determined by the doctor.

Tell your doctor if you are under stress, are sick, or are experiencing an infection or injury, because these conditions can reduce the effectiveness of glibenclamide in lowering blood sugar.

Store glibenclamide in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.

Interactions of Glibenclamide with Other Drugs

The following are interactions that can occur if glibenclamide is used with certain drugs:

• Increasing or decreasing the anticoagulant effect of warfarin or increasing the blood sugar-lowering effect of glibenclamide if these two drugs are used together.
• Decreased effectiveness of glibenclamide in lowering blood sugar levels if used with rifampicin , barbiturates, chlorpromazine , corticosteroids , furosemide, thiazide, birth control pills , estrogen, progesterone, or synthetic thyroid hormones
• Increased risk of ciclosporin side effects
• Increased risk of hypoglycemia if used with miconazole, fluconazole, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, cotrimoxazole, sulfonamides , tetracycline, anticoagulants , tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) , allopurinol, probenecid, ACE inhibitors , testosterone, beta inhibitors , or anabolic steroids

Side Effects and Dangers of Glibenclamide

Side effects that may arise after consuming glibenclamide are:

• Weight gain
• Nausea
• Burning sensation in the chest ( heartburn )
• Stomach feels full

Check with your doctor if the side effects do not improve or worsen.

Consumption of blood sugar-lowering drugs can cause blood sugar to be too low (hypoglycemia), especially if not balanced with sufficient food intake.

Hypoglycemia is characterized by body tremors, tingling in the hands or feet, hunger, dizziness, blurred vision, excessive sweating, or a faster heart rate.

If you experience hypoglycemia, immediately consume foods or snacks that are high in sugar, such as candy or honey. After that, consult a doctor about this. The doctor can lower the dose of glibenclamide or help you organize a  balanced nutritious diet .

Immediately go to the doctor if there is a drug allergic reaction or more serious side effects, such as:

• Infection, which can be marked by sore throat that does not improve or fever
• The body bruises or bleeds easily
• Stomachache
• Yellow eyes and skin, dark colored urine, feeling very tired
• Unexplained weight gain
• Mood swings
• Swelling in the hands or feet
• Convulsions