Brand Name
Euglucon
Common Name
glyburide
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 00720941 | EUGLUCON 5MG TABLET |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Glyburide is an antidiabetes medication that belongs to the family of medications known as sulfonylureas. It is used to treat high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) in people with type 2 diabetes.
Antidiabetes medications such as glyburide are used when diet, exercise, and weight reduction have not been found to lower blood sugar well enough on their own. Glyburide increases the release of insulin (a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows sugar to enter into cells where it is needed for energy) and helps the body use insulin more efficiently.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended adult dose of glyburide ranges from 2.5 mg once daily to 10 mg twice daily. Glyburide should be taken during or immediately after a meal, usually with breakfast or the first main meal of the day.
The dose of glyburide usually starts at 5 mg daily (2.5 mg for patients over 60 years of age) and increases or decreases by 2.5 mg every 5 to 7 days until blood sugar is controlled. The maximum dose of glyburide is 20 mg daily.
It is very important to monitor blood sugar levels closely, especially when increasing and decreasing doses of medication or when exercise level or weight changes occur. Your doctor or diabetes educator will instruct you on the best use of a diabetes monitor.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is very important that this medication be taken regularly and exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose of glyburide, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is an important concern if too much of this medication is taken. Ask your doctor or diabetes educator what you should do when you are not going to be eating for a long period of time or when you are going to be exercising more than usual.
Glyburide tablets are best kept at room temperature in a dry, dark place.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
2.5 mg
Each white, cylindrical tablet, with a "T" superimposed on a smaller "O" printed on one side and a score line with "A1" printed above and below it on the other, contains glyburide 2.5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose, magnesium stearate, maize starch, silicon dioxide, and talc. This medication does not contain tartrazine.
5 mg
Each white, oblong, scored tablet, coded "BM/EU" on both sidess, contains glyburide 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose, magnesium stearate, maize starch, silicon dioxide, and talc. This medication does not contain tartrazine.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Glyburide should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to glyburide or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- is breast-feeding or pregnant
- is in a diabetic coma or pre-coma (a result of hypoglycemia - symptoms include speech and visual disturbances, flushing, trembling, headache, nausea, vomiting)
- is undergoing surgery or has recently suffered severe trauma (a loss of blood sugar control may occur and insulin administration may be required)
- has a serious infection (a loss of blood sugar control may occur and insulin administration may be required)
- has jaundice
- has preexisting complications of diabetes (e.g., kidney disease, nerve disease, eye disease known as retinopathy)
- has serious kidney or liver impairment
- has type 1 diabetes
