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Glimel

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Generic Name: Glibenclamide
Product Name: Glimel

Indication

Glimel is a type of medicine called a sulfonylurea, that lowers blood sugar levels. It is used in the treatment of noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus (type 2) in addition to dietary management, in those people who cannot control their diabetes by diet alone.

Action

Patients with diabetes mellitus have a deficiency or absence of a hormone manufactured by the pancreas called insulin. Insulin is the main hormone responsible for the control of sugar in the blood. Glibenclamide is an antidiabetic medication which is used in those patients with maturity onset or non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM). It works by lowering blood sugar levels by stimulating the production and release of insulin from the pancreas. It also promotes the movement of sugar from the blood into the cells in the body which need it. These two mechanisms, in conjunction with a diet low in sugar and fat, allow diabetics to control their blood sugar levels more effectively.

Dose advice

The dose of glibenclamide is determined by the patientâ??s blood and urine glucose levels.
In newly treated diabetic patients, stabilisation should be commenced with 2.5mg of glibenclamide daily, taken just before breakfast. Blood and urine glucose should be checked after 3-5 days.
If good control has been achieved, the daily dose of 2.5mg is continued as maintenance therapy. If good control has not been achieved, the daily dose should be elevated in steps of 2.5mg at intervals of 7 days, up to a maximum of 15mg or, in exceptional circumstances, 20mg daily.

When patients are transferred form other oral antidiabetic drugs, the recommended starting dose is 2.5 to 5mg/day.

Schedule

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Common side effects

The following are a list of common side effects experienced by people taking Glibenclamide.
Headache
Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
Allergic reaction to active ingredient
Low blood glucose level (hypoglycaemia)
Weight gain
Blood disorders
Skin rashes


Uncommon side effects

Double vision (diplopia) and other visual disturbances
Severe skin rash (erythema multiforme)
Tremor
Confusion
Painful joints
Facial swelling

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For further information talk to your doctor.


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Dates

Posted On: 22 July, 2003
Modified On: 1 January, 1970


Created by: myVMC