Glyburide

Overview

Micronase is used together with diet and exercise to control non-insulin-dependent, or Type II, diabetes.

This pill seems to stimulate the pancreas to make more insulin. It may also make body tissues more responsive to insulin.

Side Effects and Interactions

Episodes of dangerously low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, are a hazard with Micronase as with any oral diabetes drug.

Be alert for symptoms of fatigue, shakiness, headache, cold sweat or confusion, as they could signal this hazardous reaction.

Be sure to discuss the symptoms and treatment of hypoglycemia with your health care provider.

Other possible side effects of this medication include nausea, heartburn, skin rash, changes in liver enzymes, susceptibility to sunburn, ringing in the ears and blood changes.

Fever, sore throat and bruising or bleeding could signal a rare but serious reaction that requires immediate attention. Report any symptoms or suspected side effects without delay.

A number of compounds may interact with Micronase.

Alcohol should be avoided if you are on this drug, as it could cause low blood sugar or uncomfortable skin flushing and breathlessness.

Other drugs that could lead to drops in blood sugar include nonsteroidal arthritis medicines like Motrin, blood thinners like Coumadin, aspirin and similar medicines, MAO inhibitor antidepressants such as Nardil or Marplan, as well as the ulcer drugs Tagamet and Zantac.

Many blood pressure pills and heart medicines also interact with Micronase.

So may estrogen (including oral contraceptives), thyroid hormones, niacin used to lower cholesterol, and the seizure medication Dilantin.

It is possible that juniper berries will be found to lower blood sugar; if so, they would interact with diabetes medicines and possibly with insulin. Close monitoring of blood sugar is advised.

There is a possibility that garlic could interact with drugs that lower blood sugar. Careful monitoring is suggested for anyone combining garlic products with glyburide.

Check with your doctor and pharmacist to find out whether Micronase is likely to interact with any other drug or herb you must take.

Special Precautions

Micronase must not be taken by people who are allergic to sulfa drugs. Your doctor will need frequent blood tests to adjust the dose of Micronase when you begin taking it.

Illness or a change in your exercise program may also make it necessary to adjust the dose later on.

Taking the Medicine

Micronase may be taken with food, especially if it upsets your stomach.

The manufacturer suggests that it be taken with breakfast or the first meal of the day.