This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Micronase Consumer Information
MICRONASE
Generic Name: glyburide (GLYE byoor ide)
Brand Names: DiaBeta, Glynase Pres-Tab, Micronase
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 noninsulin-dependent (Type II) diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) 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
- have kidney disease;
- have liver disease;
- have thyroid disease;
- have Type 1 diabetes mellitus (insulin-dependent diabetes);
- have a serious infection, illness, or injury; or
- need surgery.
- 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.
- 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 if it is taken once a day, or before meals if it is taken multiple times each day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
- Glyburide begins to work in approximately 1 hour and will continue working for about 24 hours.
- 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 doctor may want you to monitor blood sugar levels, have blood tests, or have other medical evaluations during treatment with glyburide to monitor progress and side effects.
- 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.
What should I avoid while taking glyburide?
- Follow diet, medication, and exercise routines closely. Changing any of these things can effect blood sugar levels.
- Avoid alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may interfere with diabetes treatment.
- Tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking this medication before you undergo any surgery.
- Do not take any over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, pain, or weight loss medications without first talking to your doctor.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.