chlorpropamide Health Article

Generic name(s):

chlorpropamide

Brand name(s):

chlorproPAMIDE, Diabinese

What is the most important information I should know about chlorpropamide?

Treatment with chlorpropamide may increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease compared to treatment of diabetes with diet alone or diet plus insulin. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of treatment with chlorpropamide.

Know the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which include headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, and nausea. Carry a piece of hard candy or glucose tablets with you to treat episodes of low blood sugar.

Follow diet, medication, and exercise routines closely. Changing any of them can affect your blood sugar levels.

Do not change your dose of chlorpropamide without first talking to your doctor. Avoid alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may interfere with your diabetes treatment.

What is chlorpropamide?

Chlorpropamide is in a class of drugs called sulfonylureas. It is used to help control blood sugar levels.

Chlorpropamide is used to treat type 2 diabetes along with diet, exercise, and insulin therapy, if necessary.

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking chlorpropamide?

Before taking chlorpropamide, tell your doctor if you

• have kidney disease;
• have liver disease;

• have thyroid disease;

• have type 1 diabetes;

• have a serious infection, illness, or injury; or

• need surgery.

You may not be able to take chlorpropamide, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Patients 65 years of age and older may have a stronger reaction to chlorpropamide and may require a reduced dose.

Chlorpropamide is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether chlorpropamide will be harmful to an unborn baby. Insulin is usually the drug of choice for controlling diabetes during pregnancy. Do not take chlorpropamide without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Chlorpropamide passes into breast milk and may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in a nursing infant. Do not take chlorpropamide without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take chlorpropamide?

Take chlorpropamide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Chlorpropamide is usually taken before breakfast or the first main meal if it is taken once a day, or before meals if it is taken multiple times each day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

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

It is important to take chlorpropamide regularly to get the most benefit.

Your healthcare provider may recommend regular monitoring of blood sugar levels with blood or urine tests.

Store chlorpropamide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a chlorpropamide overdose include hunger, nausea, anxiety, cold sweats, weakness, drowsiness, unconsciousness, and coma.