Glyburide
Glyburide is an oral antidiabetic medication used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes when diet and exercise are insufficient.
Glyburide is an oral medication for type 2 diabetes that helps lower blood sugar by stimulating insulin release from the pancreas.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A10BB01
- RxNorm
- 4815
- Generic
- Glyburide
- Class
- atc-a10
- Brands
- Glynase
- 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.
Glyburide is indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults when hyperglycemia cannot be controlled by diet and exercise alone. It may be used as monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic agents such as metformin when single-agent therapy is inadequate.
Glyburide belongs to the sulfonylurea class of drugs. It works by binding to and blocking ATP-sensitive potassium channels on pancreatic beta cells, which triggers voltage-gated calcium channels to open. This calcium influx stimulates the release of insulin from beta cell granules. Additionally, sulfonylureas may enhance peripheral tissue sensitivity to insulin.
Glyburide can cause hypoglycemia, particularly in patients with irregular meal patterns, renal impairment, or the elderly. Other side effects may include weight gain, gastrointestinal disturbances, and photosensitivity. It is contraindicated in patients with type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, or known sulfonylurea hypersensitivity. Patients should be counseled on hypoglycemia recognition and proper glucose monitoring. Alcohol may enhance the hypoglycemic effect.
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 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy