Glyburide
Also known as: DiaBeta, Micronase, Glynase PresTab
Your veterinarian has prescribed **glyburide** to help manage your cat's diabetes. This medication helps your cat's pancreas release more insulin to lower blood sugar. > **Important Safety Instructions:** > * **Strict Schedule:** Give this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or double up if a dose is missed. > * **Watch for Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia):** This is a medical emergency. Signs include weakness, wobbliness, lethargy, muscle twitching, staring into space, or seizures. If you see these signs, rub corn syrup or honey on your cat's gums and contact your veterinarian immediately. > * **Watch for High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia):** If the medication isn't working well enough, you may notice increased thirst, increased urination, or weight loss. Report these to your vet. > * **Other Side Effects:** Contact your clinic if your cat starts vomiting, loses their appetite, or if you notice a yellowing of their eyes or gums (jaundice). Keep all follow-up appointments, as your cat will need frequent blood and urine tests, especially during the first month of treatment.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)
- Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Vomiting
- Hypoglycemia
- Liver toxicity (icterus, increased ALT/SGPT)
- Allergic skin reactions (reported in humans)
- Arthralgia (reported in humans)
- Bone marrow suppression (reported in humans)
- Cholestatic jaundice (reported in humans)
Cautions & contraindications
- Severe burns
- Severe trauma
- Severe infection
- Diabetic coma or other hypoglycemic conditions
- Major surgery
- Ketosis
- Ketoacidosis or other significant acidotic conditions
- > **Caution:** Glyburide should only be used when its potential benefits outweigh its risks in patients with untreated adrenal or pituitary insufficiency; thyroid, renal, or hepatic function impairment; prolonged vomiting; high fever; malnourishment or in a debilitated condition. * **Concurrent Endocrine Disease:** Some patients with type II diabetes may have their disease complicated by the production of excessive amounts of cortisol or growth hormone (e.g., hyperadrenocorticism, acromegaly) that may antagonize insulin's effects. These causes should be ruled out before initiating oral antidiabetic therapy. * **Pregnancy:** FDA Category C. Animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus. Safety during nursing is unknown.
Drug interactions
- Alcohol: A disulfiram-like reaction (anorexia, nausea, vomiting) is possible
- Azole Antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole): May increase plasma levels of glyburide
- Beta-blockers: May potentiate hypoglycemic effect
- Chloramphenicol: May displace glyburide from plasma proteins
- Cimetidine: May potentiate hypoglycemic effect
- Corticosteroids: May reduce efficacy
- Thiazide Diuretics: May reduce hypoglycemic efficacy
- Isoniazid: May reduce hypoglycemic efficacy
- MAO Inhibitors: May potentiate hypoglycemic effect
- Niacin: May reduce hypoglycemic efficacy
- Phenothiazines: May reduce hypoglycemic efficacy
- Phenytoin: May reduce hypoglycemic efficacy
Frequently asked questions
What is Glyburide used for in pets?
Your veterinarian has prescribed **glyburide** to help manage your cat's diabetes. This medication helps your cat's pancreas release more insulin to lower blood sugar. > **Important Safety Instructions:** > * **Strict Schedule:** Give this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or double up if a dose is missed. > * **Watch for Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia):** This is a medical emergency. Signs include weakness, wobbliness, lethargy, muscle twitching, staring into space, or seizures. If you see these signs, rub corn syrup or honey on your cat's gums and contact your veterinarian immediately. > * **Watch for High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia):** If the medication isn't working well enough, you may notice increased thirst, increased urination, or weight loss. Report these to your vet. > * **Other Side Effects:** Contact your clinic if your cat starts vomiting, loses their appetite, or if you notice a yellowing of their eyes or gums (jaundice). Keep all follow-up appointments, as your cat will need frequent blood and urine tests, especially during the first month of treatment.
Is Glyburide safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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