What are the side effects of sulfonylurea drugs for treating diabetes?
This question relates to a prescription drug. The answers below are not intended to replace discussions with your doctor. Please contact your healthcare provider for any prescription drug questions.
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Dr. Jack Merendino of The Best Life answered:Sulfonylurea medications include glipizide (brand name Glucotrol), glyburide (brand names Micronase or Glynase) and glimepiride (brand name Amaryl). Hypoglycemic reactions are by far the most serious side effect of the sulfonylureas. They can occur anytime, including at night in some people. Some doctors have their patients use these medicines before bed in order to lower their fasting glucose values. This works for some people, but in others can lead to episodes of hypoglycemia while sleeping, which may be dangerous. These drugs have a moderate risk of weight gain, and that risk is partly related to the potential to cause a low-sugar reaction, which can lead to overeating.
It is important to note that alcohol intensifies the risk of hypoglycemia with the sulfonylureas. People with diabetes often ask whether they can drink. If you're taking one of these drugs, you'll need to be careful about alcohol consumption, especially if you haven't eaten. When there's alcohol in your bloodstream, the sulfonylureas trigger an even greater insulin release than they do under normal circumstances, so your blood sugar can go much too low.
Sulfonylurea medications include glipizide (brand name Glucotrol), glyburide (brand names Micronase or Glynase) and glimepiride (brand name Amaryl). Hypoglycemic reactions are by far the most serious side effect of the sulfonylureas. They... More -
Intermountain Healthcare answered:Sulfonylureas are an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes. However, like most medication, they have their fair share of side effects:
- Sulfonylureas can sometimes cause hypoglycemia (low blood glucose), especially when you exercise vigorously or don’t eat enough. Since low blood glucose can be dangerous, make sure that you and your family know the symptoms. These include shakiness, fast heartbeat, weakness, crankiness, hunger, headache, anxiety or dizziness. If you have these symptoms, take in some quick-acting sugar. Good sources are three to four glucose tablets, half a cup of fruit juice or regular soda.
- Most people gain a few pounds while on sulfonyureas. If used positively, this should provide an incentive to stick to your exercise and meal plan.
- Drinking even a little bit of alcohol can cause a red flush on your face, neck and arms. This isn’t harmful. But it is a good reminder that you need to be careful about how you include alcohol in your meal plan. Ask your doctor or diabetes educators about this.
- Sulfonylureas can also cause an upset stomach. Less often, they cause a skin rash. Call your doctor if you have either of these side effects.
Sulfonylureas are an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes. However, like most medication, they have their fair share of side effects: Sulfonylureas can sometimes cause hypoglycemia (low blood glucose), especially when you exercise... More
