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Generic Name: Glyburide
Brand Name(s):
Information updated: April 1, 2000
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.
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio.
© 2000