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Medication Information Leaflet
Glibenclamide is used in the treatment of diabetes. It works together with lifestyle changes, such as having a healthy diet and regular exercise, to reduce blood sugar levels. It helps the pancreas to release more insulin to bring your blood sugar levels down.
Take the tablet(s) as directed by your doctor immediately before meal(s).
Do not miss or delay meals after taking the medication.
If you missed a dose, take your next dose immediately before your next meal and skip the dose you missed.
Do not double your dose or use extra medication to make up for the missed dose.
Inform your healthcare professional if you:
- Are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
- Have Glucose-6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, a genetic condition in which your red blood cells break down faster than they are made
- Are allergic to sulfonamide drugs such as sulfamethoxazole or have a “sulfa” allergy
- Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have heart, kidney or liver problems
- Drink alcohol often
- Are eating less than usual due to sickness as your medication dosage may need to be changed
- Are exercising more than usual or making changes to your usual diet as your blood sugar levels may be affected
- Are an elderly above 65 years old as you have a higher risk of having side effects from this medication
If your doctor has informed you that you need to do a fasting blood test, skip your medication until after you have your blood taken and are ready to eat.
Like all medications, this medication may cause some possible side effects but not everyone experiences them. Consult your healthcare professional if any of the side effects becomes severe and bothersome.
The common side effects of Glibenclamide include:
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- If you experience low blood sugar, read below to manage your symptoms
- Weight gain
- Exercise regularly to prevent weight gain associated with this medication
Symptoms of low blood sugar include:
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Hunger
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Blurred vision
- Walking unsteadily
- Fast heartbeat
If you experience any of these low blood sugar symptoms, do the following immediately:
Step 1: Check your blood sugar level with a home blood sugar meter (glucometer) if available. If your blood sugar level is less than 4 mmol/L, take 15 grams of fast-acting sugar. Examples of 15 grams of fast-acting sugar include:
- 3 glucose tablets or
- Half a glass of fruit juice (200ml) or
- Half a can of soft drink or sweetened drink (175ml) or
- 1 can of less sugar soft drink (330ml) or
- 3 teaspoons of sugar, honey or syrup
Step 2: Monitor yourself for 15 minutes. If you have a glucometer (home blood sugar meter), check your blood sugar level again after 15 minutes.
Step 3: If your blood sugar level is still less than 4 mmol/L or you still have symptoms of low blood sugar, you should take another 15 grams of fast-acting sugar as per Step 1.
If your symptoms do not go away, see a doctor or go to the hospital immediately.
Step 4: Take your meal or snack if your blood sugar level is 4 mmol/L and above after consuming the fast-acting sugar earlier on.
Glibenclamide compared to other Sulphonylureas (eg. Glipizide or Gliclazide) has a longer drug action and higher risk for low blood sugar. You may want to discuss with your doctor to switch to a shorter action drug.
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
- Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
- Difficulty in breathing
- Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
See a doctor or go to the hospital immediately if your blood sugar level is always low (less than 4 mmol/L) or you continue to experience symptoms of low blood sugar even after taking some sugar (see instructions above for management of low blood sugar).
Avoid taking alcohol with this medication as it may cause symptoms such as flushing, nausea, vomiting, headache, fast heartbeat, fast breathing and giddiness.
Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.
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