Brand Names: Diabinese

Generic Name: chlorpropamide (Pronunciation: klor PROE pa mide)

• What is chlorpropamide (Diabinese)?
• What are the possible side effects of chlorpropamide (Diabinese)?
• What is the most important information I should know about chlorpropamide (Diabinese)?
• What should I discuss with my doctor before taking chlorpropamide (Diabinese)?
• How should I take chlorpropamide (Diabinese)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Diabinese)?
• What happens if I overdose (Diabinese)?
• What should I avoid while taking chlorpropamide (Diabinese)?
• What other drugs will affect chlorpropamide (Diabinese)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is chlorpropamide (Diabinese)?

Chlorpropamide is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. This medication helps your pancreas produce insulin.

Chlorpropamide is used together with diet and exercise to treat type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes. Other diabetes medicines are sometimes used in combination with chlorpropamide if needed.

Chlorpropamide should not be used by itself to treat type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes.

Chlorpropamide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Chloropropamide 250 mg-MYL

round, green, imprinted with MYLAN 210, 250

Chlorpropamide 100 mg-MYL

round, green, imprinted with 100, MYLAN 197

What are the possible side effects of chlorpropamide (Diabinese)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is the most common side effect of chlorpropamide. Symptoms of low blood sugar may include headache, nausea, hunger, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, trouble concentrating, confusion, or seizure (convulsions). Watch for signs of low blood sugar. Carry a piece of non-dietetic hard candy or glucose tablets with you in case you have low blood sugar.

Stop taking chlorpropamide and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, stomach pain, fever, confusion;
• trouble concentrating, memory problems, loss of appetite, feeling unsteady, hallucinations, or fainting;
• throbbing headache, sweating, severe nausea, trouble breathing, fast or pounding heartbeats, blurred vision, spinning sensation, feeling light-headed, fainting; or
• sore throat and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• mild hunger; or
• skin rash, redness, or itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about 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.

Before taking chlorpropamide, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver 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.

Take care to keep your blood sugar from getting too low, causing hypoglycemia. Symptoms of low blood sugar may include headache, nausea, hunger, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, or trouble concentrating. Carry a piece of non-dietetic hard candy or glucose tablets with you in case you have low blood sugar. Also be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.

Also 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.

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.