Tablets
Sulphonylureas
Taken once or twice daily with or shortly before a meal
These work by stimulating the cells in the pancreas to make more insulin. They also help insulin to work more effectively in the body.
Side effects which may be experienced in this group
Hypoglycaemia (hypo), nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, bloating, indigestion, weight gain, liver function problems, blood disorders, allergic skin reactions, low sodium, headache, jaundice, tinnitus, pins and needles, increased sensitivity to sunlight, facial flushing with alcohol, intolerance to alcohol, visual disturbances, confusion, generally feeling unwell, dizziness, drowsiness, tremor, allergic reaction.
| Name |
Trade name |
Initial daily dose |
Minimum/maximum
daily dose |
| Chlorpropamide* |
|
100 gm / 250 mg |
100 - 500 mg |
| Glibenclamide* |
Daonil |
2.5 mg / 5 mg |
2.5 - 15 mg |
| Gliclazide |
Diamicron
Diamicron MR |
80 mg
30 mg |
40 - 320 mg
30 - 120 mg |
| Glipizide |
Glibenese, Minodiab |
5 mg
2.5 mg/5 mg |
2.5 - 20 mg |
| Glimepiride |
Amaryl |
1 mg
2 mg
3 mg
4 mg |
1 - 6 mg |
| Tolbutamide |
|
500 mg |
500 - 2000 mg |
The dosage indicated will vary from person to person - if you have any problems with your dosage or the tablets you are taking, contact your healthcare team.
- These should be avoided in the elderly due to their long-acting nature and therefore increased risk of hypoglycaemia
Next review date September 2009