Glibenclamide works by increasing the amount of insulin that the pancreas secretes.
Before taking glibenclamide
Before taking glibenclamide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you suffer from kidney or liver problems.
If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder).
If you are elderly.
If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take glibenclamide
Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
Take glibenclamide with or immediately after your first main meal of the day (usually this is breakfast). Swallow your dose with a drink of water.
If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses on the same day to make up.
Getting the most from your treatment
If you are due to have any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, it is important that you tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking glibenclamide.
Keep your regular doctor or clinic appointments so your progress can be monitored. Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
It is important that you follow any exercise or dietary instructions that you have been given by your doctor or diabetic nurse.
Your doctor may recommend that you test for sugar in the blood or urine to check your diabetes is being well controlled.
Hypoglycaemia is likely to occur if you miss a meal, if you exercise more than usual, if you cannot eat because of sickness or if you drink a lot of alcohol. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include sweating, paleness, headache, faintness or drowsiness. If these occur, drink or eat something containing sugar followed by a starchy snack such as a sandwich, to raise your blood sugar.
Drivers should take special care on long journeys. If hypoglycaemia occurs, you should stop in a safe place, switch off the engine, eat or drink something containing sugar, and wait at least fifteen minutes before continuing on your journey. Driving is not permitted when you are unable to recognise the warning signs of a hypoglycaemic attack.
If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Can glibenclamide cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
Common side-effects
These affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine:
Blurred vision (particularly at the start of treatment)
Feeling or being sick
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Sweating, paleness, headache, faintness or drowsiness (signs of low blood sugar)
Itchy skin rash, increased weight
What can I do if I experience this
Blurred vision (particularly at the start of treatment) - This should soon improve, but make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery, or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not able to see clearly
Feeling or being sick - Eat little and often and stick to simple foods
Constipation - Try to eat a well-balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day
Diarrhoea - Drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids
Sweating, paleness, headache, faintness or drowsiness (signs of low blood sugar) - Eat something containing sugar such as a biscuit or a sugary drink (not diet) and follow this
up with a snack such as a sandwich. Tell your doctor if you notice these symptoms
Itchy skin rash, increased weight - If this is severe or troublesome, tell your doctor
Important: If you experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), fever, or unexplained bruising, speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store glibenclamide
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
