Dosage and dose adjustment

The recommended dosage is as follows: In the beginning, start with half a tablet in the morning. Start with one tablet in the morning. Start with 15 mg or half a tablet in the morning.

Every three months your doctor will check whether the current dosage is having the desired blood sugar-lowering effect on the one hand and does not cause unnecessary hypoglycaemia on the other. In the event of an acute change in lifestyle, heavy physical exertion due to sport or illness or even bedriddenness, the dose must be adjusted. You may even reduce the dose on your own in the case of extraordinary stress in order to avoid hypoglycaemia.

However, in the case of fever and feverish colds, the body’s insulin requirement is increased, and a dose adjustment in the sense of an increase in the dose of sulfonylurea is then advisable.

Glibenclamide: max. 3 times 3.5 mg in the division 2-1-0 (morning-afternoon-evening)
Glimepiride: max: 3 mg a day as a morning dose
Gliquidon: max. 4 times 30 mg a day in 3 doses spread over the day.

Alcohol consumption and sulfonylureas

Alcohol increases the effect of sulfonylureas! The risk of hypoglycaemia increases. In addition, other side effects such as palpitations, headaches, confusion and dizziness can be provoked. If you do want to consume alcohol, drink it only with meals and in moderation.

Side effects

Especially at the beginning of a therapy with sulfonylureas, gastrointestinal problems and disturbances of consciousness can occur. Heartburn, nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, constipation and blurred vision are not uncommon. However, the side effects are due to the initial blood sugar fluctuations and especially at the beginning there is no reason to stop the therapy prematurely!

Since insulin production is strongly stimulated during therapy with sulfonylureas, there is always the risk of hypoglycemia if meals or low-carbohydrate food are skipped. This can cause the blood sugar level to drop below 50 mg/dl for a long period of time.Each main meal should therefore contain a proportion of carbohydrates (potatoes, rice, pasta bread) to avoid such hypoglycemia. Sulfonylureas can impair blood formation, which is associated with persistent fatigue and lack of concentration.

Sulfonylureas can also cause allergies, itching and swelling of the skin. If you notice these or similar symptoms, you should consult your doctor. Sulfonylureas, like other oral antidiabetics, can damage the liver. Your doctor will therefore check your liver values at least every 6 months.