How should this medicine be used?
Glyburide comes in tablets to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day with breakfast or twice a day (when a large daily dose is required). Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take glyburide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take glyburide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking glyburide without talking to your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking glyburide,
* tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to glyburide or any other drugs.
* tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antibiotics, anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), dexamethasone (Decadron), diuretics ('water pills'), estrogens, isoniazid (INH), MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate)], medications for high blood pressure or heart disease, metformin (Glucophage), niacin (nicotinic acid), oral contraceptives, phenytoin (Dilantin), prednisone, probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins.
* tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or kidney disease.
* tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking glyburide, call your doctor.
* if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking glyburide.
* you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
* remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
* tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of glyburide.
* plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Glyburide may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Be sure to follow all exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietitian. It is important to eat a healthful diet. Alcohol increases blood sugar; ask your doctor for information on how much is safe to drink.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Before you start taking glyburide, ask your doctor what to do if you forget to take a dose. Write these directions down so you can refer to them later.
As a general rule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from glyburide are not common, they can occur. If you have any of these symptoms, eat or drink a food or beverage with sugar in it, such as hard candy or fruit juice, and call your doctor immediately; symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) include:
* shakiness
* dizziness
* rapid heartbeat
* sweating or confusion
* blurred vision
* headache
* numbness or tingling of the mouth
* weakness
* fatigue
* pale color
* sudden hunger
If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately; symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include:
* thirst
* dry mouth
* tiredness
* flushing
* dry skin
* frequent urination
* loss of appetite
* trouble breathing
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
* seizures
* loss of consciousness
* skin rash
* itching or redness
* exaggerated sunburn
* yellowing of the skin or eyes
* light-colored stools
* dark urine
* unusual bleeding or bruising
* fever
* sore throat