What is Glibenclamide Good for?

The glibenclamide is an oral antidiabetic belonging to the group of the sulfonylureas, drug chemical structure that releases insulin pancreas to mobilize sugar the bloodstream to cells of the body, to achieve lower levels of the same blood.

This medicine is used to treat diabetes in cases when the disease cannot be controlled normally with diet and exercise, and also when it is not necessary to use insulin.

Glibenclamide benefits

It is a drug that is used to control blood sugar levels for the suffering of type 2 diabetes. This disease has the characteristic of not being dependent on insulin, which makes it more common among overweight adults and in currently there is a high rate of young people affected by poor diet.

It has the ability to block ATP-dependent potassium channels found in the membranes of pancreatic beta cells, this allows depolarization, adequate calcium entry, insulin release, and decreased levels of liver glycogenolysis. and gluconeogenesis.

This drug is indicated to improve this disease and give benefit to the body, in that case we mention:

• It is prescribed to control blood sugar levels when diets are not enough to control weight.

• It has a hypoglycemic effect by stimulating the release of insulin through the beta cells of the pancreas, according to the intake by glucose measurement.

• It stabilizes the output of potassium to produce the depolarization of the membrane and manages to activate the calcium channels so that they increase in the intracellular levels and thus be able to stimulate the secretion of insulin.

• It reduces the production of hepatic glucose.
• It enhances the action of insulin levels in peripheral tissues , especially in muscle and adipose tissue.
• Allows diuretic levels to kick in slightly to increase fluid clearance.

How does glibenclamide work in the body?

The suffering of type 2 diabetes is due to the deficiency of insulin, a hormone that is produced by the pancreas and is responsible for controlling blood sugar levels to allow the body’s cells to reduce its excess in the torrent blood.

Insulin is produced inefficiently due to rises in blood sugar levels in this type of diabetes. Likewise, the body’s cells are resistant to the action of the hormone produced by the pancreas, which leads to an excessive rise in sugar levels.

By taking this medicine, the beta cells of the pancreas, which produce insulin, are stimulated. The production of this hormone helps reduce high blood sugar levels in the case of type 2 diabetes.

It can also work as an excellent option to treat diabetes of this type, in patients who are not overweight.

How to take glibenclamide?

The consumption of this medicine must be respected, as prescribed by the treating doctor, since its ingestion in the wrong way can cause powerful risks to the body and blood sugar levels can get out of control.

This can lead to serious complications related to this disease such as strokes, heart disease, nervous system damage, and eye problems.

In case you have forgotten to take it, it should be taken immediately when you remember it, unless the next dose is close to your time. It is recommended not to take extra doses to compensate.

The tablets should be swallowed whole during or immediately after breakfast.

The frequency and dose of the consumption of this medicine will depend on the age, the level of the disease, if you have any other illness or depending on the reaction after the first intake.

Recommended dose of glibenclamide

This medicine should only be consumed between 18 and 64 years of age, the amounts should be as follows:

Glibenclamide Tablets

• The starting dose should be 2.5 to 5 milligrams once a day.
• Then the doctor will determine if a dose adjustment is necessary to increase it or change it to an intake 2 times a day according to the sugar levels you have.

Glibenclamide micronized tablets

• It should start with a dose of 1.5 to 3 milligrams 1 time per day.
• If your doctor thinks it is necessary based on your blood sugar levels, the dose may change each week to 1.5 milligrams a day.

Use of glibenclamide during pregnancy and lactation

During the gestation or lactation period, some medications should not be used, since it is a delicate stage for both the mother and the baby. However, the doctor is the one who can determine the need to take it considering the benefits and risks that they can cause.

If you suffer from diabetes during pregnancy, you should control glucose with a balanced diet, otherwise you would have to undergo a control with insulin and a strict diet.

Oral antidiabetics pass through the placenta and can stimulate the production of insulin in the fetus, causing hypoglycemia at birth. In case of having to take it by medical prescription, it is recommended to suspend it at least one week before delivery to avoid this condition in the newborn.

By passing into breast milk there is a risk of a decrease in glucose levels in the infant’s blood, therefore, it is advisable to avoid its administration during this period.

Glibenclamide Precautions and Warnings

Before taking this medicine, the following warnings should be heeded to avoid adverse harm:

• It is important to keep track of glucose levels in your blood and urine while you are under this treatment.

• This medicine should be administered with great caution in case of suffering from diseases such as: porphyria, high fever, pituitary insufficiency, malnutrition or kidney failure.

• During the taking of this medicine, it is not recommended to abandon exercise or proper nutrition.

• It should be administered with care in the elderly, as they are more exposed to adverse effects, therefore, the doctor will have to indicate lower doses.

• It is necessary to avoid alcoholic beverages during the intake of this drug, a severe decompensation in glucose levels could occur.

• It is recommended to carry an identification that indicates that you are being treated with oral antidiabetics.

• If the symptoms worsen instead of improving, it is recommended to consult the attending physician.

• It is very important to know what the symptoms of low or high blood sugar are in order to know how to treat it right away.

• It is advisable to store this medicine in a place that has a cool temperature, away from moisture and heat.
• To avoid accidents , it is important to keep it out of the reach of children.

Glibenclamide side effects

When using this medicine, various adverse effects may occur that can severely affect our body, therefore, if you suffer from any of the following symptoms, it is recommended to call the doctor or go to an emergency center quickly:

Common side effects

• Headaches.
• Diarrhea.
• Gases.
• Excess hunger and thirst.
• Acidity.
• Anxiety.
• Constant urge to urinate.
• Dizziness
• Sickness.
• fatigue.
• Weightloss.

Serious side effects

• Unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Urticaria.
• Shortness of breath
• Rash or blistering of the skin.
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat.
• Constant itching
• Flu-like symptoms.
• Dark colored urine.
• Yellow coloring in the eyes and on the skin.
• Cold sweats
• Tremors
• Confusion.
• Irritability.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Difficulty in vision.
• Unusual tiredness and weakness
• Acceleration in heart rate.
• Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.

Glibenclamide contraindications

To use this medicine, you must know if the body has the conditions to take it, it is important to participate in the doctor if you have any disease so that he can make the appropriate prescription. Some notable contraindications are:

• The doctor should be involved if you have hypersensitivity to this drug or to some that are derived from sulfonylurea or belong to the sulfonamide group.

• It cannot be administered in the case of type 1 diabetes, liver or kidney failure, trauma, serious infections, thyroid, acidosis or if you have had a recent surgical intervention.

• It should not be used if there is diabetic ketoacidosis, as it is a serious complication. In that case, insulin should be used.
• It is necessary to tell your doctor if you suffer from heart problems, since taking this medicine can cause strokes or heart attacks.
• It is not recommended in children under 18 years of age, because its effectiveness is not safe.

Conclusion of the use of gilbenclamide

To conclude, it can be said that this drug, which is used for some types of diabetes, has the ability to control the levels of sugar in the bloodstream when there is no adequate secretion of insulin.

It allows the production and release of insulin by the pancreas and at the same time makes it easier for sugar to enter the cells in order to control its levels.

Its effectiveness can decrease the risk of hypoglycemia and excess weight gain. It is also very effective in lowering fasting blood glucose levels, making it an excellent option for type 2 diabetes treatments.

We hope that this information is very useful for you, we are grateful for your preference. Luck!