Detailed Drug Information:

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Glyburide is an oral glucose lowering-drug in a class of diabetes medicines called sulfonylureas.Glyburide lowers the sugar level by stimulating insulin secretion in thepancreas. Insulin is a hormone which lowers the blood sugar level.

Approximately 90% of patients with diabetes have type 2 or non-insulindependent diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in adulthood,and is associated with obesity and a strong family history of thedisease. Sugar (glucose) intolerance is related to impaired insulinsecretion by the pancreas and resistance to insulin at the cell level.

PREPARATIONS: Tablets; 1.25mg, 1.5mg, 2.5mg, 3mg, 5mg.

STORAGE: Glyburide should be stored at room temperature in atight container.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Glyburide is used in type 2 diabetes to helplower and control blood sugars in those not controlled by diet alone. Studies have shown that strict sugar control in diabetics decreases the risks ofeye, kidney, and nerve damage. Oral sulfonylureas are used in type 2diabetics after a trial on a strict diabetic diet and usually beforeinsulin is tried.

DOSING: Glyburide may be taken with or without food. Sinceglyburide is metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys, dosagesmay need to be lowered in patients with liver or kidney dysfunction.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: All sulfonylureas can cause low blood sugar(hypoglycemia). Therefore, glyburide must be used cautiously in patientswith kidney or liver problems, and those with poor food intake, usingalcohol, or participating in heavy exercise, as well as in patients takingother glucose-lowering drugs. Drug interactions causing hypoglycemia canoccur with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, sulfa drugs, coumadin,miconazole, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, and beta-blocking drugs. High glucose reactions (hyperglycemia) can occur with thiazide diuretics,corticosteroids, thyroid medicines, estrogens, niacin, dilantin, andcalcium channel blocking drugs.

PREGNANCY: Glyburide is not recommended during pregnancy. Use of glyburide during the 2nd and 3rd term of pregnancy does not appear to affect the fetus, but use of glyburide during pregnancy should be discussed with a physician

NURSING MOTHERS: Glyburide should not be used by breast-feedingmothers.

SIDE EFFECTS: Minor side effects include nausea, heartburn, andbloating. Skin rashes can occur and cause itching, hives, or a diffuse measles-like rash. Rare but serious side effects include hepatitis,jaundice, and a low sodium concentration.