What is the most important information I should know about glyburide?
Treatment with glyburide 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 glyburide.
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 blood
sugar levels.
Do not change your dose of glyburide without first talking to your doctor.
Avoid alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may interfere with diabetes treatment.
What is glyburide?
Glyburide is in a class of drugs called sulfonylureas. It is used to help control blood sugar levels.
Glyburide is used to treat type 2 diabetes along with diet, exercise, and insulin therapy, if
necessary.
Glyburide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking glyburide?
Before taking glyburide, tell your doctor if you
You may not be able to take glyburide, 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 glyburide and may require a
reduced dose.
Glyburide is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether
glyburide will be harmful to an unborn baby. Insulin is usually the drug of choice for controlling diabetes
during pregnancy. Do not take glyburide without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could
become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether glyburide passes into breast milk. Do not take glyburide without
first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take glyburide?
Take glyburide 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.
Glyburide 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.
It is important to take glyburide regularly to get the most benefit.
Do not change your dose of glyburide without first talking to your doctor.
Your healthcare provider may recommend regular monitoring of blood sugar levels with blood
or urine tests.
Store glyburide 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 emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a glyburide overdose include hunger, nausea, anxiety, cold sweats, weakness,
drowsiness, unconsciousness, and coma.
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