Glibenclamide is used to treat type 2 diabetes (long-term condition in which the body gradually becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin).
This medicine helps treat your diabetes by keeping your blood sugar under control.
Glibenclamide is meant to be taken as part of a complete diabetes care programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Take Glibenclamide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it together with food or immediately after a meal, preferably after breakfast. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Glibenclamide is available as a conventional tablet or a micronised tablet. Swallow it whole with a glass of water.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition.
Glibenclamide must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Glibenclamide if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar medicines such as glimepiride, or glipizide.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- type 1 diabetes mellitus (long-term condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin)
- complications of diabetes e.g. diabetic ketoacidosis (high level of blood acid in your body), diabetic coma (episodes of unconsciousness)
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities)
- stress-related states e.g. trauma, surgical procedures, severe infection
- severe kidney disease
- severe liver disease
as Glibenclamide may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Glibenclamide with bosentan (medicine used to treat high blood pressure in the blood vessels leading to the lungs).
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- G6PD deficiency (an inherited blood disorder where the body lacks a certain enzyme necessary for the proper functioning of red blood cells)
- adrenal or pituitary glands problems
- conditions that may increase the risk of developing low blood sugar level e.g. strenuous exercise, insufficient calorie intake, irregular mealtimes or missed meals
- atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (hardening of arteries caused by buildup of plaques within the artery wall)
- mild to moderate kidney disease
- mild to moderate liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Glibenclamide to the elderly, malnourished (an individual who lacks the nutrition necessary for the body to function) or debilitated individual (physically or mentally weak, usually due to illness or old age). Elderly people, malnourished and debilitated individuals may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Do not switch between different brands or preparations unless advised by your doctor.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. blood sugar levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of low blood sugar level may also be needed
If you are taking this medicine, you may have been warned about hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
How do I know if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Hypoglycaemia is the medical term for low blood sugar. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include dizziness, tremor, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weak or confused, and sweating. These signs are your body's way of warning you that your blood sugar level is low.
It is important to recognise these symptoms and get relief for hypoglycaemia quickly, as the hypoglycaemia may worsen.
What should I do if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Always carry some glucose tablets (also known as dextrose tablets) with you. Take 15 grams of glucose tablet at the first sign of hypoglycaemia, wait for 15 minutes and re-check your blood sugar level. If you are not feeling better or if your blood sugar level is still low (less than 4 mmol/L or 70 mg/dL), take another 15 grams of glucose tablet.
If you don't have glucose tablets, you may take any of the following:
- 1/2 cup (120 mL) of juice or regular soda (not diet)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or corn syrup
- hard candies, jellybeans, or gumdrops (not sugar-free)
Get medical help should symptoms not improve after second serving.
Glibenclamide may cause impaired alertness or capacity to react. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, heartburn (burning pain in your chest caused by food or acid from your stomach that backs up into your mouth), stomach pain, indigestion, diarrhoea, temporary visual problems, weight gain, rash, and itching.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
This medicine may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Inform your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Glibenclamide with bosentan (medicine for high blood pressure in the blood vessels leading to the lungs).
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- certain antibiotics e.g. chloramphenicol, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim combination
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. fluconazole, miconazole
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. phenylbutazone
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. coumarin, heparin
- cholesterol-lowering medicine e.g. clofibrate
- medicines for depression e.g. doxepin, nortriptyline
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. captopril, enalapril, methyldopa
- medicines that reduce stomach acid production e.g. cimetidine, ranitidine
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [an infection known as tuberculosis])
- water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, ethacrynic acid
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. chlorpromazine, lithium
- ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Glibenclamide.
Inform your doctor if you are currently taking birth control pills as this can reduce the effectiveness of this medicine. You should not stop or start any birth control pills without first informing your doctor. Ask your doctor about using non-hormonal birth control as an alternative while being treated with Glibenclamide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
It is important for you to maintain a healthy diet and weight in order to help keep your diabetes under control.
It may be helpful to discuss your diet plan with your doctor or dietitian to manage your weight and blood sugar levels.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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