Diabinese Diabetes Type 2 Treatment - Diabinese Patient Information

Brand name: Diabinese
Generic name: Chlorpropamide

Diabinese, chlorpropamide, full prescribing information

Why is Diabinese prescribed?

Diabinese is an oral antidiabetic medication used to treat type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. Diabetes occurs when the body fails to produce enough insulin or is unable to use it properly. Insulin is believed to work by helping sugar penetrate the cell wall so it can be used by the cell.

There are two forms of diabetes: type 1 insulin-dependent and type 2 non-insulin-dependent. Type 1 usually requires insulin injection for life, while type 2 diabetes can usually be treated by dietary changes and oral antidiabetic medications such as Diabinese. Apparently, Diabinese controls diabetes by stimulating the pancreas to secrete more insulin. Occasionally, type 2 diabetics must take insulin injections on a temporary basis, especially during stressful periods or times of illness.

Most important fact about Diabinese

Always remember that Diabinese is an aid to, not a substitute for, good diet and exercise. Failure to follow a sound diet and exercise plan can lead to serious complications, such as dangerously high or low blood sugar levels. Remember, too, that Diabinese is not an oral form of insulin, and cannot be used in place of insulin.

How should you take Diabinese?

Ordinarily, your doctor will ask you to take a single daily dose of Diabinese each morning with breakfast. However, if this upsets your stomach, he or she may ask you to take Diabinese in smaller doses throughout the day.

To prevent low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia):

• You should understand the symptoms of hypoglycemia
• Know how exercise affects your blood sugar levels
• Maintain an adequate diet
• Keep a source of quick-acting sugar with you all the time
• If you miss a dose...
  Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
• Storage instructions...
  Store at room temperature.

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What side effects may occur with Diabinese?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Diabinese.

Side effects from Diabinese are rare and seldom require discontinuation of the medication.

• More common side effects include:
  Diarrhea, hunger, itching, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach upset, vomiting

Diabinese, like all oral antidiabetics, can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). The risk of hypoglycemia is increased by missed meals, alcohol, other medications, and excessive exercise. To avoid hypoglycemia, closely follow the dietary and exercise regimen suggested by your physician.

• Symptoms of mild hypoglycemia may include:
  Cold sweat, drowsiness, fast heartbeat, headache, nausea, nervousness
• Symptoms of more severe hypoglycemia may include:
  Coma, pale skin, seizures, shallow breathing

Contact your doctor immediately if these symptoms of severe low blood sugar occur.

Why should Diabinese not be prescribed?

You should not take Diabinese if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.

Do not take Diabinese if you are suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis (a life-threatening medical emergency caused by insufficient insulin and marked by excessive thirst, nausea, fatigue, pain below the breastbone, and a fruity breath).

Special warnings about Diabinese

It's possible that drugs such as Diabinese may lead to more heart problems than diet treatment alone, or diet plus insulin. If you have a heart condition, you may want to discuss this with your doctor.

If you are taking Diabinese, you should check your blood and urine periodically for the presence of abnormal sugar levels.

Remember that it is important that you closely follow the diet and exercise regimen established by your doctor.

Even people with well-controlled diabetes may find that stress, illness, surgery, or fever results in a loss of control. If this happens, your doctor may recommend that Diabinese be discontinued temporarily and insulin used instead.

In addition, the effectiveness of any oral antidiabetic, including Diabinese, may decrease with time. This may occur because of either a diminished responsiveness to the medication or a worsening of the diabetes.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Diabinese

When you take Diabinese with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is important that you consult with your doctor before taking Diabinese with the following:

• Anabolic steroids
• Aspirin in large doses
• Barbiturates such as secobarbital
• Beta-blocking blood pressure medications such as atenolol and propranolol
• Calcium-blocking blood pressure medications such as diltiazem and nifedipine
• Chloramphenicol
• Warfarin
• Diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide
• Epinephrine
• Estrogen medications
• Isoniazid
• Major tranquilizers such as chlorpromazine and thioridazine
• MAO inhibitor-type antidepressants such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine
• Nicotinic acid
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as ibuprofen and naproxen
• Oral contraceptives
• Phenothiazines
• Phenylbutazone
• Phenytoin
• Probenecid
• Steroids such as prednisone
• Sulfa drugs such as sulfamethoxazole
• Thyroid medications such as levothyroxine

Avoid alcohol since excessive alcohol consumption can cause low blood sugar, breathlessness, and facial flushing.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Diabinese during pregnancy have not been adequately established. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant you should inform your doctor immediately. Since studies suggest the importance of maintaining normal blood sugar (glucose) levels during pregnancy, your physician may prescribe injected insulin.

To minimize the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in newborn babies, Diabinese, if prescribed during pregnancy, should be discontinued at least 1 month before the expected delivery date.

Since Diabinese appears in breast milk, it is not recommended for nursing mothers. If diet alone does not control glucose levels, then insulin should be considered.

Recommended dosage for Diabinese

Dosage levels are determined by each individual's needs.

ADULTS

Usually, an initial daily dose of 250 milligrams is recommended for stable, middle-aged, non-insulin-dependent diabetics. After 5 to 7 days, your doctor may adjust this dosage in increments of 50 to 125 milligrams every 3 to 5 days to achieve the best benefit. People with mild diabetes may respond well to daily doses of 100 milligrams or less of Diabinese, while those with severe diabetes may require 500 milligrams daily. Maintenance doses above 750 milligrams are not recommended.

OLDER ADULTS

People who are old, malnourished, or debilitated and those with impaired kidney and liver function usually take an initial dose of 100 to 125 milligrams.

CHILDREN

Safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Overdosage

An overdose of Diabinese can cause low blood sugar (see "What side effects may occur?" for symptoms).

Eating sugar or a sugar-based product will often correct the condition. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

last updated 02/2009

Diabinese, chlorpropamide, full prescribing information

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