Diabinese (Chlorpropamide) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 26, 2012

Diabinese

Oral Diabetes Prescription Medications »

What are oral diabetes medications and how do they work?

Insulin is a hormone produced by cells in the pancreas called beta cells. Insulin helps the body use blood glucose (a type of sugar) for energy. People with type 2 diabetes do not make enough insulin and/or their bodies do not respond well to it, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Oral diabetes medications bring blood sugar levels into the normal range through a variety of ways.

For what conditions are diabetes pills used?

Oral diabetes medications are only used to treat type 2 or non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Patients with type 1 diabetes are dependent on insulin for their treatment.

Are there differences among types of oral diabetes medications?

Medications that increase insulin production

The earliest oral diabetes drugs were the sulfonylureas. These work by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insu...

Read the Oral Diabetes Prescription Medications article »

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Diabinese Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking chlorpropamide (Diabinese)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to chlorpropamide, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis. Call your doctor for treatment with insulin.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use chlorpropamide:

liver disease;
kidney disease;
a disorder of your pituitary or adrenal glands;
a history of heart disease; or
if you are malnourished.

Taking certain oral diabetes medications may increase your risk of serious heart problems. However, not treating your diabetes can damage your heart and other organs. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of treating your diabetes with chlorpropamide.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether chlorpropamide is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Chlorpropamide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking chlorpropamide.

How should I take chlorpropamide (Diabinese)?

Take chlorpropamide exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger or smaller amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your dose needs may change if you are ill, if you have a fever or infection, or if you have surgery or a medical emergency.

Do not change your dose of chlorpropamide without first talking to your doctor.

Chlorpropamide is usually taken once per day with breakfast. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low, causing hypoglycemia. You may have hypoglycemia if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress.

Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them. Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Sugar sources include orange juice, glucose gel, candy, or milk. Severe hypoglycemia may cause loss of consciousness, seizures, or death. If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use an injection of glucagon. Your doctor can give you a prescription for a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to give the injection.

Check your blood sugar carefully during a time of stress or illness, if you travel, exercise more than usual, or skip meals. These things can affect your glucose levels and your dose needs may also change.

Watch for signs of blood sugar that is too high (hyperglycemia). These symptoms include increased thirst, loss of appetite, increased urination, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dry skin, and dry mouth. Check your blood sugar levels and ask your doctor how to adjust your medication doses if needed.

Your blood sugar will need to be checked on a regular basis. You may also need other blood tests at your doctor's office. Do not miss any appointments.

Chlorpropamide is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and testing your blood sugar. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your blood sugar levels.

It is important to take chlorpropamide regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store chlorpropamide at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

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