Acetohexamide
Acetohexamide is a first-generation sulfonylurea medication used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin, helping to lower blood glucose levels.
Acetohexamide is an oral sulfonylurea that helps control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes by stimulating insulin release from the pancreas.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A10BB31
- RxNorm
- 173
- Generic
- Acetohexamide
- Class
- atc-a10
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; insulin is preferred
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy; insulin therapy recommended
regular fetal monitoring and glucose control assessment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
discontinue before delivery; insulin is preferred for glycemic control
fetal monitoring and assessment of glycemic control
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
not recommendedavoid
do not breastfeed while taking acetohexamide; consider alternative antidiabetic therapy
monitor infant for signs of hypoglycemia
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlystart with lowest effective dose
use with caution; increased risk of hypoglycemia in elderly; start low and titrate slowly
frequent blood glucose monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot recommended
not indicated for use in pediatric patients; insulin therapy preferred
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild to moderatedose reduction may be required
use with caution; may require dose adjustment based on renal function; increased risk of hypoglycemia
monitor renal function and blood glucose closely
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatedose reduction may be required
use with caution; drug metabolized in liver; may require dose adjustment
monitor liver function and blood glucose
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological action
Acetohexamide is used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults when diet control and exercise have not provided adequate blood sugar control. It may be used as monotherapy or in combination with other diabetes medications.
As a sulfonylurea, acetohexamide stimulates insulin release from pancreatic beta cells by binding to specific receptors on these cells. This increased insulin production helps lower blood glucose levels.
Acetohexamide can cause hypoglycemia, especially in elderly patients, those with kidney or liver impairment, and when combined with other diabetes medications. Patients should take it as prescribed, typically 30 minutes before a meal. This medication is rarely prescribed today due to the availability of safer, more effective alternatives.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy