Glyburide side effects
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Common Glyburide Side Effects: Hypoglycemia and Gastrointestinal Disturbances
Glyburide, a second-generation sulfonylurea used to treat type 2 diabetes, is most commonly associated with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) as a side effect. Studies show that glyburide causes hypoglycemia more frequently than other sulfonylureas and secretagogues, with a 52% to 83% higher risk compared to similar medications 237. Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and vomiting are also reported, though these are generally less common 17.
Rare and Serious Side Effects: Liver Injury and Cholestatic Hepatitis
Although rare, glyburide can cause serious liver-related side effects, including cholestatic hepatitis, granulomatous hepatitis, and even liver failure. These hepatotoxic effects are considered idiosyncratic, meaning they occur unpredictably in certain individuals. Early recognition and discontinuation of glyburide can lead to reversal of liver injury and normalization of liver enzymes .
Skin Reactions and Other Mild Side Effects
Some patients may experience skin rashes as a side effect of glyburide. Other mild side effects, such as nocturia (frequent nighttime urination), have also been reported, but these are less common and generally not severe 146.
Glyburide in Pregnancy: Maternal and Neonatal Risks
When used to treat gestational diabetes, glyburide has been linked to an increased risk of neonatal complications compared to insulin. These risks include higher rates of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, respiratory distress, hypoglycemia in newborns, birth injury, and babies being large for gestational age . Additionally, glyburide treatment in pregnancy is associated with increased placental glucose transporter expression, which may contribute to higher birth weights and fetal overgrowth . However, the risk of preterm birth, jaundice, or obstetric trauma does not appear to be increased .
Comparison with Other Diabetes Medications
Compared to metformin, glyburide is more likely to cause hypoglycemia but is otherwise similar in terms of overall adverse effects and glucose control in gestational diabetes. Combination therapy with metformin and glyburide can reduce the need for insulin, but metformin may be preferred as a first-line treatment due to its lower risk of hypoglycemia .
Conclusion
Glyburide is effective for managing type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes, but it carries a higher risk of hypoglycemia than other similar medications. Rare but serious liver side effects can occur, and in pregnancy, glyburide may increase the risk of certain neonatal complications. Careful patient selection, monitoring, and awareness of these potential side effects are important for safe glyburide use 123789.
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