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What is the most important information I should know about acetohexamide?

Treatment with acetohexamide may increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease compared to treatment of diabetes with diet alone or diet plus insulin. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of treatment with acetohexamide.

Know the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which include headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, and nausea. Carry a piece of hard candy or glucose tablets with you to treat episodes of low blood sugar.

Follow diet, medication, and exercise routines closely. Changing any of them can affect your blood sugar levels.

Do not change your dose of acetohexamide without first talking to your doctor. Avoid alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may interfere with your diabetes treatment.

What is acetohexamide?

Acetohexamide is in a class of drugs called sulfonylureas. It is used to help control blood sugar levels.

Acetohexamide is used to treat type 2 diabetes along with diet, exercise, and insulin therapy, if necessary.

Acetohexamide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acetohexamide?

Before taking acetohexamide, tell your doctor if you

• have kidney disease;
• have liver disease;

• have thyroid disease;

• have type 1 diabetes;

• have a serious infection, illness, or injury; or

• need surgery.

You may not be able to take acetohexamide, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Patients 65 years of age and older may have a stronger reaction to acetohexamide and may require a reduced dose.

Acetohexamide is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that acetohexamide is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Insulin is usually the drug of choice for controlling diabetes during pregnancy. Do not take acetohexamide without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether acetohexamide passes into breast milk. Do not take acetohexamide without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take acetohexamide?

Take acetohexamide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Acetohexamide is usually taken before breakfast or the first main meal if it is taken once a day, or before meals if it is taken multiple times each day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Your healthcare provider may recommend regular monitoring of blood sugar levels with blood or urine tests.

Do not change your dose of acetohexamide without first talking to your doctor. Store acetohexamide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek medical treatment immediately.

Symptoms of an acetohexamide overdose include hunger, nausea, anxiety, cold sweats, weakness, drowsiness, unconsciousness, and coma.

What should I avoid while taking acetohexamide?

Follow diet, medication, and exercise routines closely. Changing any of these things can effect your blood sugar levels.

Avoid alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may interfere with your diabetes treatment.

Tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking this medication before you undergo any surgery.

Do not take any prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal cough, cold, allergy, pain, or weight loss medications without first talking to your doctor.