Diabinese

Generic name: Chlorpropamide

What is Diabinese?

Diabinese is an oral antidiabetic medication used to treat type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. Diabetes occurs when the body fails to produce enough insulin or is unable to use it properly.

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

Always remember that Diabinese is an aid to, not a substitute for, good diet and exercise. Failure to follow a sound diet and exercise plan can lead to serious complications, such as dangerously high or low blood sugar levels. Remember, too, that Diabinese is not an oral form of insulin, and cannot be used in place of insulin.

Who should not take Diabinese?

You should not take Diabinese if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.

Do not take Diabinese if you are suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis (a life-threatening medical emergency caused by insufficient insulin and marked by excessive thirst, nausea, fatigue, and pain below the breastbone).

Remember, this medication is used to help treat type 2 diabetes. If you have type 1 diabetes, do not use this medication.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Diabinese?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with this drug. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have heart problems.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Dosage levels are determined by each individual's needs.

Adults: Usually, an initial daily dose of 250 milligrams (mg) is recommended for stable, middle-aged, non-insulin-dependent diabetics. After 5 to 7 days, your doctor may adjust this dosage in increments of 50 to 125 mg every 3 to 5 days to achieve the best benefit. People with mild diabetes may respond well to daily doses of 100 mg or less of Diabinese, while those with severe diabetes may require 500 mg daily. Maintenance doses above 750 mg are not recommended.

Older adults and people who are malnourished, debilitated, or have kidney or liver problems usually take an initial dose of 100 to 125 mg.

How should I take Diabinese?

Ordinarily, the doctor will ask you to take a single daily dose of Diabinese each morning with breakfast. However, if this upsets your stomach, you may be instructed to take Diabinese in smaller doses throughout the day.

What should I avoid while taking Diabinese?

Avoid alcohol; excessive alcohol consumption can cause low blood sugar, breathlessness, and facial flushing.

Even people with well-controlled diabetes may find that stress, illness, surgery, or fever results in a loss of blood sugar control. If this happens, your doctor may recommend that Diabinese be discontinued temporarily and insulin used instead.

To help prevent low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), know the symptoms of hypoglycemia, know how exercise affects your blood sugar levels, maintain an adequate diet; and keep a source of quick-acting sugar with you all the time.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Diabinese?

When you take Diabinese with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is important that you consult with your doctor before taking Diabinese with the following: anabolic steroids; aspirin in large doses; barbiturates such as secobarbital; beta-blocking blood pressure medications such as atenolol and propranolol; calcium-blocking blood pressure medications such as diltiazem and nifedipine; chloramphenicol; diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide; epinephrine; estrogen medications; isoniazid; major tranquilizers such as chlorpromazine and thioridazine; MAO inhibitor-type antidepressants such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine; nicotinic acid; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as ibuprofen and naproxen; oral contraceptives; phenothiazines; phenylbutazone; phenytoin; probenecid; steroids such as prednisone; sulfa drugs such as sulfamethoxazole; thyroid medications such as levothyroxine; and warfarin.

What are the possible side effects of Diabinese?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Diabinese.

Side effects from Diabinese are rare and seldom require discontinuation of the medication.

Side effects may include: diarrhea, hunger, itching, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach upset, vomiting

Diabinese, like all oral antidiabetic medications, can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). The risk of hypoglycemia is increased by missed meals, alcohol, other medications, and excessive exercise. To avoid hypoglycemia, closely follow the dietary and exercise regimen suggested by your physician.

Symptoms of mild hypoglycemia may include: cold sweat, drowsiness, fast heartbeat, headache, nausea, nervousness

Symptoms of more severe hypoglycemia may include: coma, pale skin, seizures, shallow breathing

Contact your doctor immediately if these symptoms of severe low blood sugar occur.

Can I receive Diabinese if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Diabinese during pregnancy have not been adequately established. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Since studies suggest the importance of maintaining normal blood sugar (glucose) levels during pregnancy, your physician may prescribe injected insulin.

To minimize the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in newborn babies, Diabinese, if prescribed during pregnancy, should be discontinued at least 1 month before the expected delivery date.

Since Diabinese appears in breast milk, it is not recommended for nursing mothers.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Diabinese?

If you miss a dose of Diabinese, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two (2) doses at one time.

How should I store Diabinese?

Store at room temperature.