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- The proper way to use
- Precautions to keep in mind
- Common known side effects
Common known side effects
The use of sulfonylurea antidiabetic agents has been reported, but not proven in all studies, to increase the risk of death from heart and blood vessel disease. Patients with diabetes are already more likely to have these problems if they do not control their blood sugar. Some sulfonylureas, such as glyburide and gliclazide, can have a positive effect on heart and blood vessel disease. It is important to know that problems can occur, but it is also not known if other sulfonylureas, particularly tolbutamide, help to cause these problems. It is known that if blood sugar is not controlled, such problems can occur.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
- Convulsions (seizures)- unconsciousnessCheck with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
- Low blood sugar- unusual weight gain- including anxious feeling- behavior change similar to being drunk- blurred vision- cold sweats- confusion- cool pale skin- difficulty in concentrating- drowsiness- excessive hunger- fast heartbeat- headache- nausea- nervousness- nightmares- restless sleep- shakiness- slurred speech- unusual tiredness or weaknessLess common
- Peeling of skin- skin redness, itching, or rashRare
- Chest pain- chills- coughing up blood- dark urine- fever- fluid-filled skin blisters- general feeling of illness- increased amounts of sputum (phlegm)- increased sweating- light-colored stools- pale skin- sensitivity to the sun- shortness of breath- sore throat- thinning of the skin- unusual bleeding or bruising- unusual tiredness or weakness- yellow eyes or skinRarely, for patients taking chlorpropamide or tolbutamide
- Depression- retain (keep) more body water than usual, even less often with tolbutamide- swelling or puffiness of face, ankles, or handsSome side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Changes in sense of taste- constipation- diarrhea- dizziness- heartburn- increased amount of urine or more frequent urination- increased or decreased appetite- passing of gas- stomach pain, fullness, or discomfort- vomitingLess common or rare
- Difficulty in focusing the eyes- increased sensitivity of skin to sunOther side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
- The proper way to use
- Precautions to keep in mind
- Common known side effects
