Glyburide 5mg is an antidiabetic agent that is indicated for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who had failed to control their high blood glucose level via diet modification and exercise alone. This oral antidiabetic drug (OAD) is a type of sulfonylurea from the insulin secretagogue class of medications, which reduces elevated blood level by stimulating the beta cells of the pancreas to secrete more basal insulin and meal-stimulated insulin. Besides that, Glyburide also decreases hepatic production of glucose while increasing the peripheral utilization of glucose and the quantity and sensitivity of insulin receptors in the body.
Adult patients are usually prescribed with an initial dosage of Glyburide 5mg, taken orally once daily. The initial dose for geriatric patients is 1.25mg, also taken orally once daily. The dose for adult patients may be increased gradually by 2.5mg over five to seven days until adequate glycemic control is achieved. The maximum dosage of Glyburide is 20mg daily, which may be taken as single or divided doses. It is important that patients take this drug together with the first main meal of the day to prevent episodes of hypoglycemia. If patients eat a light breakfast, they should wait until they eat a larger meal to take the daily dose. Patients with known hypersensitivities to OADs may be prescribed with a lower initial dosage instead.
The use of Glyburide alongside regular exercise and a healthy diet helps to manage and control high blood sugar levels.