Glyburide (By Mouth)

Glyburide (GLYE-byoo-ride)

Helps to control blood sugar levels in people who have type 2 diabetes.

Brand Name(s):

Micronase, Diabeta, Glynase Pres-Tab, Glycron
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to glyburide or if you have metabolic acidosis (diabetic ketoacidosis).

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take this medicine with breakfast or your first main meal of the day. Ask your doctor if you need to take this medicine at any other time.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• There are many other drugs that may interact with this medicine. Make sure your doctor knows about ALL other medicines you are using, especially aspirin, Advil®, Motrin®, Aleve®, Compazine®, Coumadin®, Dilantin®, isoniazid, niacin, estrogens, birth control pills, thyroid medicine, diuretics or "water pills," heart or blood pressure medicine, medicine for yeast infections, steroids such as prednisone, antibiotics, or any cold or allergy medicines.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows about all other treatments you are using for diabetes, including insulin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart problems, kidney disease, liver disease, or problems with your adrenal or pituitary gland.
• This medicine may not work as well if you have surgery, get hurt, or get sick. If you have severe vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, call your doctor for instructions.
• You may develop low blood sugar while you are using this medicine. You may feel weak, drowsy, confused, anxious, or very hungry. You may have trouble seeing or have a headache that won't go away. Ask your doctor what you should do if this happens. Some things that can lead to low blood sugar are exercising more than normal or waiting too long to eat.
• Tell your doctor if you start having trouble controlling your blood sugar after you have been using this medicine for awhile.
• Other medicines used to treat diabetes have been known to increase the risk of heart problems. It is not known if glyburide increases your risk. Ask your doctor if you have questions about this.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
• You may have blurred vision or trouble seeing while you are using this medicine. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you cannot see well.
• This medicine is only part of a complete program for controlling diabetes. You can also help yourself by eating a healthy diet, watching your weight, and getting regular exercise.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Confusion, weakness, and muscle twitching
• Seizures, fainting
• Skin rash, itching, or redness
• Your skin or eyes turn yellow

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Nausea, heartburn, gas, or feeling "full"

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.