What it means
An oral antidiabetic drug, called glibenclamide outside the US. Like glipizideGLIP-ih-zideA sulfonylurea taken by mouth that makes the pancreas release more insulin, used for type 2 diabetes.Full entry it makes the pancreas release insulin, but it lasts longer and its breakdown products stay active, so the risk of long and severe hypoglycemiahy-poh-gly-SEE-mee-uhA blood glucose level below normal, under 70 mg/dL.hypo- belowglyc/o sugar, glucose-emia in the bloodFull entry is higher, especially in older adults and people with kidney disease.
For the nurse
Give with breakfast or the first main meal, and teach the signs and treatment of low blood glucose. The Beers Criteria advise avoiding it in older adults because of prolonged low blood glucose. ISMP lists oral sulfonylureas as high-alert drugs.
At a glance
| Drug class | sulfonylurea (oral antidiabetic) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Glynase |
| Spanish | gliburida |
| Also written | glibenclamide, DiaBeta, Glynase |
Easy to confuse with
glipizide
A sulfonylurea taken by mouth that makes the pancreas release more insulin, used for type 2 diabetes.
Related terms
hypoglycemia
A blood glucose level below normal, under 70 mg/dL.
type 2 diabetes
A form of diabetes in which the body does not respond well to insulin and does not make enough of it to keep blood glucose normal.
glipizide
A sulfonylurea taken by mouth that makes the pancreas release more insulin, used for type 2 diabetes.