Key facts about Glyburide/Metformin
What dosages is Glyburide/Metformin available in?
Glyburide/Metformin is available as an oral tablet that contains 2.5 mg of glyburide and 500 mg of metformin or 5 mg of glyburide and 500 mg of metformin.
What is Glyburide/Metformin used for?
Glyburide/Metformin is a sulfonylurea/biguanide and is used to treat type 2 diabetes.
How does Glyburide/Metformin work?
Glyburide/Metformin is a combination of two diabetes medications that work together to lower the blood sugar in your body. Glyburide is a sulfonylurea that lowers your blood sugar by stimulating (waking up) your pancreas to release insulin. Metformin is a biguanide that lowers the amount of sugar your liver makes, lowers the amount of sugar your stomach absorbs, and helps you respond better to insulin.
How do I take Glyburide/Metformin?
Glyburide/Metformin is dosed depending on your previous dose of glyburide or metformin.
The typical starting dose is 1.25 mg/250 mg (Glyburide/Metformin) by mouth once or twice daily with meals.
If you are currently taking glyburide (or another sulfonylurea) or metformin, the typical starting dose is 2.5 mg/500 mg (Glyburide/Metformin) or 5 mg/500 mg (Glyburide/Metformin) by mouth twice daily with meals.
The maximum dose is 20 mg/2000 mg (Glyburide/Metformin) by mouth daily.
Is it safe for me to take Glyburide/Metformin?
Glyburide/Metformin is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have severe renal impairment (eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73 m2), a hypersensitivity to metformin or glyburide, acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis, with or without coma, or are currently taking bosentan.
Glyburide/Metformin Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Glyburide/Metformin include:
- Low blood sugar
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
Glyburide/Metformin Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Glyburide/Metformin. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
Lactic acidosis (buildup of lactic acid): unusual muscle pain, difficulty breathing, unusual sleepiness, stomach pain, feeling cold in hands or feet, low blood pressure, slow heart rate, very weak or tired
Dangerously low blood sugar: coma, seizures, or other problems that affect the brain, nerves, and spinal cord
Hemolytic anemia (destruction of your red blood cells): pale or lack of skin color, yellowing of skin or eyes, dark-colored urine, weakness, dizziness, confusion
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Glyburide/Metformin
The following medications may interact with Glyburide/Metformin:
- Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors may increase risk of lactic acidosis.
- Drugs that reduce metformin clearance (such as ranolazine, vandetanib, dolutegravir, and cimetidine) may increase the accumulation of metformin.
- Alcohol can potentiate the effect of metformin on lactate metabolism.
Who makes Glyburide/Metformin?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Glyburide/Metformin safe in pregnancy?
Glyburide/Metformin has not shown any drug associated risks for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal outcomes from a small number of published studies and postmarketing experience with Glyburide/Metformin use in pregnancy over decades. However, sulfonylureas (including glipizide) cross the placenta and have been associated with neonatal adverse reactions such as hypoglycemia. Therefore, Glyburide/Metformin should be discontinued at least two weeks before expected delivery.
