Drug Name

Micronase (Glyburide)

Common use

Micronase contains glyburide, which lowers glucose levels in the blood. It belongs to the diabetic drugs of sulfonylureas class. Insulin is produced in the pancreas and reduces synthesis of glucose by the liver and stimulates cells in the body to remove glucose from the blood. Type 2 diabetes occurs in the patients whose body either does not produce enough insulin or fails to use insulin properly. Glucose levels produced by the liver increase and pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to make the cells resistant to it to work properly. Micronase stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin.

Dosage and direction

Initial dose of Micronase is 2.5-5 mg daily. The maximum dose is 1.25-20 mg a day. Take Micronase with the first main meal of the day.

Drug interaction

Micronase cannot be combined with Bosentan (Tracleer) due to increase in liver toxicity and reduction of the effect of the both drugs. Bosentan also increases katabolism of Micronase in the liver.

Thiazide diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril) may increase glucose concentration in the blood and reduce effects of Micronase. Inform your doctor about all prescribed and over-the-counter medications you are currently taking and especially about: fluoroquinolone type antibiotics such as levofloxacin (Levaquin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), antidiabetic agents such as Micronase, airway-opening drugs (albuterol), anabolic steroids (testosterone, danazol), antacids, aspirin, beta blockers (atenolol and propranolol), blood thinners (warfarin), calcium channel blockers (diltiazem and nifedipine), antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, Chloramphenicol, Cimetidine, Clofibrate, Estrogens, Fluconazole, Furosemide, Gemfibrozil, Isoniazid, Itraconazole, tranquilizers (trifluoperazine and thioridazine) MAO inhibitors, Metformin, Niacin, NSAIDs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, and naproxen), oral contraceptives, Phenytoin, Probenecid, prednisone, sulfamethoxazole, thiazide diuretics (chlorothiazide and hydrochlorothiazide),
levothyroxine.

Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or almost time for your next dose. Do not increase your recommended dose. Take your usually dose next day in the same regularly time.

Overdose

Overdose symptoms of Micronase include pale skin, seizure, coma, shallow breathing and are stipulated by low blood sugar. Contact your doctor or seek for immediate medical help if you exerience symptoms listed above.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-77 F (15-25 C) away from light and moisture, kids and pets. Do not use after expiration term.

Precautions

Inform your doctor if you have a heart condition, Micronase and similar drugs may lead to more heart problems than diet treatment alone, or diet plus insulin. Blood and urine should be tested for abnormal sugar in the patients taking Micronase. Follow the diet and all recommendations of your doctor. Micronase and any other antidiabetic drug may become less effect with time due to diminished responsiveness of the organism to the drug or because of worsening of the diabetes. Notify your doctor if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding.

Contraindications

Micronase cannot be administered to the patients if there is allergy to similar medications such as chlorpropamide or glipizide, those suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis. Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis are caused by insufficient insulin: nausea, fatigue, excessive thirst, pain below the breastbone, and fruity breath.

Possible side effect

The most common adverse reactions to Micronase are nausea, bloating, heartburn, rashes, low blood sugar, blurred vision and weight gain. Serious but rare side effects include hepatitis, jaundice, and hyponatremia. Hypoglycemia is mostly likely to occur in elderly, weak, and undernourished people, and especially if they liver, adrenal, kidney, or pituitary gland problems. Avoid drinking alcohol, missing meals, taking medications which were not prescribed to you, as the risk of hypoglycemia increases. Factors of risk may also be fever, infection, surgery, trauma, or excessive exercise.