INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS

GLIBENCLAMIDE TABLETS BP

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start to take this medicine. It gives a brief outline of the more important things you should know. If you want to know more about this medicine, or you are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

THE NAME OF YOUR MEDICINE IS GLIBENCLAMIDE TABLETS BP

The active ingredient is Glibenclamide BP. The tablets are available in two strengths, 2.5mg and 5mg.

Other ingredients are lactose, maize starch, povidone K30, magnesium stearate.

The registered pack sizes are 28, 100 and 500.

The active ingredient belongs to a group of medicines known as oral hypoglycaemics which are used in the treatment of certain forms of diabetes to control the level of sugar in the blood.

WHAT IS GLIBENCLAMIDE FOR?

Glibenclamide is used for the treatment of diabetics who do not need insulin but who need more than just diet to control their diabetes.

BEFORE TAKING THIS MEDICINE

You should not take glibenclamide if

• You have been told that you are allergic to glibenclamide
• You have severe liver or kidney problems
• You have severe thyroid or adrenal gland problems
• You have ever had a diabetic coma

Glibenclamide is not suitable for children.

You should let your doctor know as soon as possible if you are pregnant or if you want to become pregnant or to start breast-feeding whilst taking these tablets.

You should also consult your doctor if you are to have an operation or if you have a serious accident or severe infection, which can affect your diabetes.

You will need to have regular checks to monitor sugar levels in the urine or blood.

Be careful about strenuous exercise or unusual stress, these can cause blood sugar levels to get too low, known as "hypoglycaemia". Early warning symptoms of low blood sugar include faintness, sweating, trembling, confusion or headache. You will need to eat and drink something sugary quickly.

Ask you doctor for more information about the symptoms of hypoglycaemia and what you should do if it happens.

Do not drive or operate machinery if you have signs of low blood sugar.

It is important that relatives and close workmates know that you have diabetes and are taking medication so that they can recognise the symptoms of hypoglycaemia and help if necessary.

With some other medicines the dose of glibenclamide which you take may need to be reduced including some drugs which are used to treat infections, some pain killers (including aspirin), some agents used to thin the blood, some drugs for high cholesterol in the blood, some agents for depression, some drugs for high blood pressure and heart failure, some drugs for stomach ulcers and dyspepsia (including cimetidine), and some agents for obesity and gout. With some other medicines the dose of glibenclamide may need to be increased - rifampicin, some tablets for getting rid of water and some drugs for high blood pressure and heart trouble. Some products purchased at the chemists may have a high sugar content which may raise blood sugar levels.

 

So make sure your doctor knows what other medicines you are taking, including those you may buy directly from the chemist. Drinking alcohol may cause troublesome flushing in some patients and can affect the levels of sugar in your blood.

If you have any doubts about whether you should take these tablets, then discuss things more fully with your doctor BEFORE taking them.

TAKING THIS MEDICINE

The usual starting dose for glibenclamide is 2.5 - 5mg, which can be increased if necessary. Your doctor has decided the dose which is best for you. Always follow your doctor's instructions exactly, and those which appear on the pharmacy label. If you do not understand any of these instructions, or are in any doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Unless your doctor has instructed differently, these tablets should be taken once a day with breakfast or the first main meal of the day.

You should continue to take these tablets for as long as your doctor tells you to. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember with your next meal. If it is time for the next dose do not double the dose to make up for the one you missed. Do not stop taking the tablets or alter the dosage without consulting your doctor.

If you accidentally take too much glibenclamide seek immediate medical help by contacting your doctor or nearest hospital casualty department.

AFTER TAKING THIS MEDICINE

Like many other medicines glibenclamide may cause some side-effects in some patients particularly when treatment is first started. These are generally mild and infrequent but may include stomach upsets, increased appetite and weight gain. If you develop any other side-effects than these, particularly a rash, jaundice or itching, you should tell your doctor immediately.

SAFE KEEPING FOR THIS MEDICINE

Do not use the tablets after the expiry date shown on the pack or if they show signs of deterioration.

These tablets should be kept in a cool dry place, away from light in the package or container in which they were given to you. Do not transfer them to another container. KEEP THEM IN A SECURE PLACE WHERE CHILDREN CANNOT GET AT THEM. REMEMBER this medicine is for YOU only. NEVER give it to anyone else. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours. Unless your doctor tells you do not keep tablets that you no longer need. Give them back to the pharmacist.