Glibenclamide

Glibenclamide is a II generation sulphonylurea drug. It is sold under the brand names of Glynase, Daonil, and Euglucon. It is also available in combination with Metformin, another antidiabetic drug under the names Glibomet and Glucovance or Glibenclamide Metformin.

The mechanism of action of Glibenclamide is by inhibiting the ATP-sensitive potassium channels in the beta cells of the Islet of the pancreas. This causes cell membrane depolarization and the voltage dependent calcium channels open up. Thus the increased intracellular calcium in the beta cells of the pancreas stimulates the release of insulin and thereby causing a reduction in the blood sugar.

The common side effects of Glibenclamide are hypoglycemia, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, weight gain, heart burn, frequent urination, tremors, facial twitching, double vision, skin rashes, palpitations, decreased appetite, sleep disturbances, convulsions and fainting. When serious side effects occur it is advisable to get medical assistance.

Glibenclamide also has some drug interactions with certain drugs like MAO inhibitors antidepressants, ACE inhibitors, ciprofloxacin, fluconazole, and aspirin. These drugs cause hypoglycemia when they are used along with glybenclamide. Certain drugs like corticosteroids, lithium, antipsychotics and diuretics increase the blood glucose level thereby requiring adjustment of its dose. Glibenclamide used along with warfarin causes tendency of increased bleeding during surgeries and injury.

The contraindications for Glibenclamide are pregnancy, during lactation, Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus otherwise called type I diabetes, diabetic coma, severe renal impairment, severe metabolic compensation, diabetic ketoacidosis, and hypersensitivity to sulpha drugs.

Glibenclamide is available in the doses of 1.25 mg, 2.5 mg and 5 mg tablets. It is initially given as 2.5mg once daily before breakfast and then gradually increased.