Glibenclamide (Glyburide) for Type 2 Diabetes
Glibenclamide, also called glyburide, is a sulfonylurea medicine that lowers blood sugar by helping the body release more insulin. It is used to treat type 2 diabetes when diet, exercise, and other medicines do not provide enough control. It is not insulin and is not used to treat diabetic ketoacidosis.
Glibenclamide can help control blood sugar, but it may cause hypoglycemia, especially if you skip meals, drink alcohol, or take other diabetes medicines. Take it exactly as prescribed and ask your doctor or pharmacist how to reduce this risk.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A10BB01
- Generic
- Glibenclamide
- Class
- sulfonylurea
- Brands
- Glyburide, Diabeta
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- unsafe
- Half-life (h)
- 10
- Onset (min)
- 30
- Duration (h)
- 24
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- CN, US, EU
- Monitoring
- blood-glucose
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
- 5mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily with breakfast
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.2mg per kg of body weight daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- given as divided doses twice daily with meals
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1.25mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily with breakfast
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid use
discontinue and switch to insulin therapy; avoid glibenclamide during pregnancy unless clearly needed
regular fetal monitoring and maternal blood glucose control
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid use
switch to insulin for optimal glycemic control
fetal growth monitoring and maternal glucose tracking
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
do not breastfeed while taking glibenclamide; consider alternative antidiabetic agents
monitor infant for signs of hypoglycemia
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlystart at lowest dose
use conservative dosing; start with 1.25mg daily; titrate slowly
frequent blood glucose monitoring; monitor for hypoglycemia
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot recommended
glibenclamide is not approved for use in pediatric patients; consider insulin or other age-appropriate therapies
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild renal impairmentreduce dose by 25%
use with caution; monitor renal function
regular renal function monitoring; frequent glucose checks
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentavoid use
avoid in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 ml/min)
frequent monitoring if use is necessary
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
moderate hepatic impairmentreduce initial dose
use with caution; start at lowest dose
monitor liver function and blood glucose
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
chronic alcohol useavoid
avoid alcohol consumption while taking glibenclamide
monitor for episodes of severe hypoglycemia
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General information about medication introduction
Drug class
Sulfonylureas are second-generation oral hypoglycemic agents
Primary indication
Used as second-line therapy for glycemic control
Typical prescription dose range
Dosing varies based on patient response and renal function
Drug interactions
1 documented interaction(s) with other medications in this knowledge base.
Celecoxib作为CYP2C9抑制剂，可减少Glibenclamide的代谢，导致其血药浓度升高，增强降糖作用
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 July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy