Diabeta

Generic name: Glyburide

What is Diabeta?

Diabeta is an oral medication used to help control blood sugar levels in patients who have type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called sulfonylureas.

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

Treatment with sulfonylureas may increase the risk of death from heart and blood vessel problems compared to treatment of diabetes with diet alone or diet plus insulin. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of treatment with Diabeta.

You should know the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which include headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, and nausea.

Follow diet, medication, and exercise routines closely. Changing any of them can affect blood sugar levels.

Do not change your dose of Diabeta without first talking to your doctor.

Who should not take Diabeta?

Diabeta should not be used in patients with problems associated with diabetes (eg, diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic coma), severe burns, severe acidosis, or type1 diabetes.

Diabeta should not be used in patients who are in the late stages of pregnancy.

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

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Diabeta. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding; have kidney disease; have liver disease; have thyroid disease; have a serious infection, illness, or injury, or if you need surgery.

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.

The initial dose is 2.5-5 milligrams (mg) once a day with breakfast or the first main meal. The dose should be increased by no more than 2.5 mg per day at weekly intervals.

The usual maintenance dose ranges from 1.25 to 20 mg given once a day or in divided doses.

For patients who have kidney disease, liver disease, adrenal or pituitary insufficiency, and those who are elderly, injured, or malnourished, the initial dose is 1.25 mg once a day.

For patients switching from another oral antidiabetic agent, the initial dose is 2.5-5 mg per day.

For patients switching from insulin, if you used to take more than 40 units a day, decrease the dose by half of the amount and take 5 mg of Diabeta once a day.

How should I take Diabeta?

Take Diabeta exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

It is important to take Diabeta regularly to get the most benefit. Diabeta 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. Take each dose with a full glass of water.

What should I avoid while taking Diabeta?

Avoid alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may interfere with diabetes treatment.

Do not take any prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal cough, cold, allergy, pain, or weight-loss medications without first talking to your doctor.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Diabeta?

If Diabeta is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Diabeta with the following: aspirin, Bosentan, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and salicylates such as magnesium/choline salicylate, salsalate, choline salicylate, magnesium salicylate, or bismuth subsalicylate.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Diabeta or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

What are the possible side effects of Diabeta?

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

Side effects may include: abdominal fullness, allergic skin reactions such as redness and itching; heartburn, low blood sugar, with symptoms such as shaking, headache, cold sweats, pale and cool skin, anxiety, difficulty concentrating; nausea

This is not a complete list of side effects that may occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Can I receive Diabeta if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

It is not known whether Diabeta will be harmful to an unborn baby. Insulin is usually the drug of choice for controlling diabetes during pregnancy. Do not take Diabeta without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Diabeta passes into breast milk. Do not take Diabeta without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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

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.

How should I store Diabeta?

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.