Glibenclamide+metformin
About Glibenclamide+metformin
Glibenclamide+metformin is used in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) condition that affects the way our body processes glucose.
Glibenclamide+metformin contains Metformin and Glibenclamide. Metformin works by reducing the sugar production by cells in the liver and delaying sugar absorption from the intestines. Glibenclamide works by stimulating beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.
Sometimes, you may experience stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, headache or low blood sugar. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Do not take Glibenclamide+metformin if you are allergic to any of its components. Glibenclamide+metformin is not recommended for children. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, please inform your doctor before taking Glibenclamide+metformin.
Uses of Glibenclamide+metformin
Medicinal Benefits
- Glibenclamide+metformin is an anti-diabetic medicine used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults along with proper diet and exercise.
- It helps control high blood sugar levels and prevents diabetes-related complications such as kidney damage, vision problems, nerve issues, and heart disease.
- It contains Metformin and Glibenclamide to effectively lower elevated glucose levels.
- Metformin decreases glucose production in the liver and delays sugar absorption in the intestines.
- Glibenclamide stimulates beta cells in the pancreas to release more insulin, which helps remove sugar from the blood.
- It enhances the body’s response to insulin, leading to better blood sugar control.
- It helps reduce the risk of long-term complications related to uncontrolled diabetes.
Directions for Use
- Glibenclamide+metformin can be taken with food to prevent stomach upset.
- It is usually taken 1-2 times daily at the same time each day or as prescribed by your doctor.
- Swallow Glibenclamide+metformin as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Glibenclamide+metformin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach ache
- Loss of appetite
Drug Warnings
- Do not take Glibenclamide+metformin if you are allergic to metformin, glibenclamide, or any other ingredient in Glibenclamide+metformin.
- Glibenclamide+metformin may cause ‘lactic acidosis’ (buildup of lactic acid in the blood), characterised by abdominal pain, muscle cramps, vomiting, severe fatigue, and difficulty breathing. It is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
- Inform your doctor if you have any severe liver or kidney problems, as their normal functioning is required to eliminate excess lactic acid from the body.
- Do not consume excess alcohol, as it increases the risk of lactic acidosis.
- Inform your doctor if you have any hormonal problems, infectious diseases, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase - G6PD deficiency (an inherited condition that causes the breakdown of red blood cells).
- Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Let your doctor know if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements or herbal products.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking an antifungal drug (miconazole) or iodine contrast agents (used for X-ray or scan) while using Glibenclamide+metformin. Glibenclamide+metformin may interact with medications used to treat high blood pressure like (ritodrine, salbutamol, terbutaline, and bosentan), bile acid sequestrants (lower cholesterol levels), drugs used to treat skin inflammation such as corticosteroids, a drug used for diagnosis of adrenocortical insufficiency (tetracosactide), pain killer (phenylbutazone), antifungal drug (fluconazole), a medication used to treat mental illness (chlorpromazine), a medication used to reduce urine production (desmopressin), and medication used to treat endometriosis (danazol).
Drug-Food interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease interactions: Glibenclamide+metformin should be used with caution in patients with liver, kidney, hormonal, infectious, and heart problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol may increase the risk of side effects. Hence, avoid alcohol consumption.
Pregnancy
cautionGlibenclamide+metformin should be used with caution only if prescribed by a doctor in pregnant women, as it may cause toxic effects to the fetus.
Breast Feeding
cautionBreastfeeding mothers should not take Glibenclamide+metformin unless prescribed by your doctor.
Driving
cautionGlibenclamide+metformin may cause vision problems. So, it is not recommended to drive if your vision is blurred while using Glibenclamide+metformin.
Liver
cautionGlibenclamide+metformin should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. Dose adjustments may be necessary.
Kidney
cautionGlibenclamide+metformin should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney impairment. Consult your doctor for further advice.
Children
unsafeGlibenclamide+metformin is not recommended for use in children below 12 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Prefer eating a meal that contains plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Opt for non-fat dairy products and lean meats.
- Eat at regular intervals. Do not take a long gap between a meal or snack.
- Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly as advised by your doctor.
- Keep a check on your weight. Shed excess weight by exercising regularly.
- Do not take stress as it shows the effect on blood sugar levels.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Type 2 diabetes mellitus: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition in which blood glucose levels are elevated in the body. Insulin is responsible for the utilisation of glucose by the cells. In type 2 diabetes, the body cells do not respond to insulin or in later stages, your body may not produce enough insulin. Symptoms include excessive thirst, excessive hunger, fatigue, increased appetite and dry mouth. If not properly treated, this condition may worsen over time and cause toxic effects.
FAQs
Glibenclamide+metformin is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus, a chronic (long-lasting) condition that affects the way our body processes glucose.
Glibenclamide+metformin reduces elevated blood glucose levels. It works by increasing glucose utilisation and insulin production in the body.
Glibenclamide+metformin is only prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and is not recommended to treat type 1 diabetes.
You may experience increased thirst and hunger, frequent urination, weight loss, slow-healing wounds and frequent infections if you have diabetes. Consult a doctor to confirm the diagnosis.
Do not stop taking Glibenclamide+metformin even if your symptoms improve or if the blood sugar levels are in control. Talk to the doctor if you have any concerns.
Cut back on foods high in sodium, alcohol, fried foods, and high-carb food and drinks like sugary drinks, drinks with added sugar, white rice and starchy vegetables.
Include a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat, oats, barley, and quinoa. Non-fat or low-fat dairy and proteins like chicken, lean meats, nuts, beans, tofu, lentils, eggs, fish, and turkey can also be included.
Glibenclamide+metformin is a combination of two anti-diabetic medicines, Metformin and Glibenclamide used to treat type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition in which blood glucose levels are elevated in the body. Symptoms include excessive thirst, excessive hunger, fatigue, increased appetite and dry mouth.
Glibenclamide+metformin may cause side effects like stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, headache or low blood sugar. Most of these side effects of Glibenclamide+metformin do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Glibenclamide+metformin may cause hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose levels), which is characterised by dizziness, sweating, palpitations, hunger pangs, dry mouth and skin. Regularly monitor blood glucose levels and consume glucose tablets, juice or candy if you experience these symptoms.
Glibenclamide+metformin may interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12 leading to its deficiency on long-term use. Consult the doctor if you notice signs of vitamin B12 deficiency like pale/yellow skin, headache, fatigue, anaemia, and depression.
Store Glibenclamide+metformin at room temperature, in a dry place. Keep out of sight and reach of children.
Avoid alcohol consumption with Glibenclamide+metformin as it might lower blood glucose levels and increase the risk of lactic acidosis (build-up of lactic acid in blood).
It is preferable to take Glibenclamide+metformin with food as it helps prevent stomach upset.
Glibenclamide+metformin should not be taken by people who are allergic to any of its components, have type 1 diabetes, metabolic acidosis, severe kidney problems, serious liver dysfunction, and alcoholism.
Let the doctor know if you have heart, liver or kidney problems, if you are due to undergo any surgery or if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding.