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Sulfonylureas

Brand Name (Generic Name)

Amaryl (glimepiride)
DiaBeta (glyburide)
Diabinese (chlorpropamide)
Glucotrol (glipizide)
Glucotrol XL (glipizide)
Glynase PresTab (glyburide)
Micronase (glyburide)
Orinase (tolbutamide)
Tolinase (tolazamide)

These pills do two things:

• They help your pancreas make more insulin, which then lowers your blood glucose.
• They help your body use the insulin it makes to better lower your blood glucose.

For these pills to work, your pancreas has to make some insulin. Sulfonylureas can make your blood glucose too low, which is called hypoglycemia (HY-po-gly-SEE-mee-ah).

How often should I take sulfonylureas?

Some sulfonylureas work all day, so you take them only once a day. Others you take twice a day. Your doctor will tell you how many times a day you should take your diabetes pill(s). Ask if you are not sure.

When should I take sulfonylureas?

The time you take your pill depends on which pill you take and what your doctor tells you. If you take the pill once a day, you will likely take it just before the first meal of the day (breakfast). If you take the medicine twice a day, you will likely take the first pill just before your first meal, and the second pill just before the last meal of the day (supper). Take the medicine at the same times each day. Ask your doctor when you should take your pills.

What are possible side effects of sulfonylureas?

• hypoglycemia
• an upset stomach
• a skin rash or itching weight gain

Reviewed by James A. Bennett 5/13