Glyburide: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Glyburide is an oral sulfonylurea medicine used to lower blood glucose in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is prescribed alongside diet and exercise to improve blood glucose control. Glyburide requires a prescription in the United Kingdom and has been available as a generic medicine since 1995-08-29.

Glyburide is indicated for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is used alongside diet and exercise to improve blood glucose control. The medicine is not indicated for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis, including cases with coma.

Diabetic ketoacidosis requires insulin treatment. Glyburide may be used for short periods when blood glucose control temporarily worsens in people who are usually controlled with diet, but treatment decisions and monitoring belong with the prescribing clinician. Blood glucose and, where appropriate, urinary glucose are monitored to assess response and help identify whether the treatment is working adequately.

Glyburide belongs to the sulfonylurea class of medicines. It lowers blood glucose mainly by encouraging the pancreas to release more insulin. Insulin helps glucose move from the bloodstream into body tissues, where it can be used for energy.

This action depends on the pancreas still being able to produce insulin, so glyburide is used for type 2 diabetes rather than type 1 diabetes. Because it increases insulin release, blood glucose can fall too low, particularly when meals, other medicines, or health conditions affect glucose control. Diet, exercise, and regular monitoring remain part of managing type 2 diabetes while this medicine is used.

The label lists 1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, 3 mg, 5 mg, and 6 mg tablets. The usual starting dose is 2.5 to 5 mg daily with breakfast or the first main meal. The usual starting dose is 1.25 mg daily for people who may be more sensitive to blood glucose-lowering medicines.

The usual maintenance dose is in the range of 1.25 to 20 mg daily, as a single dose or divided doses. The label lists dosage increases of no more than 2.5 mg at weekly intervals, based on blood glucose response. The label lists once-daily treatment as usually satisfactory, although some people receiving more than 10 mg daily may respond better to twice-daily dosing.

The label lists more than 20 mg daily as not recommended. Dosing is individualised and requires monitoring by the prescriber.

A missed dose can affect blood glucose control. General pharmacy advice is not to double the next dose to make up for a missed dose, because glyburide can cause hypoglycaemia. The appropriate action depends on when the dose was missed, whether food was eaten, and the prescribed schedule.

A pharmacist or prescriber can advise what to do. Seek urgent medical help for severe hypoglycaemia, coma, seizure, or other serious neurological symptoms.

The label lists pregnancy category B. Animal reproduction studies in rats and rabbits found no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women are not available. The medicine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Prolonged severe hypoglycaemia has been reported in newborns after exposure to sulfonylurea medicines at delivery. The label states that glyburide should be discontinued at least two weeks before the expected delivery date if it is used during pregnancy. Discuss pregnancy or breastfeeding with a doctor or pharmacist before treatment.

Store glyburide at 20 to 25°C. Excursions between 15 and 30°C are permitted. Keep the container tightly closed and use a well-closed container with a safety closure, as directed on the label, to maintain quality.