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Chlorpropamide |
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What is Chlorpropamide and why is it prescribed? Chlorpropamide is an oral antidiabetic medication used to treat type 2 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. Type 2 diabetes can usually be treated by dietary changes and oral antidiabetic medications such as Chlorpropamide. Apparently, Chlorpropamide 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. Always remember that Chlorpropamide 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 Chlorpropamide is not an oral form of insulin, and cannot be used in place of insulin. How should you take Chlorpropamide? Follow your doctors directions for taking Chlorpropamide. Ordinarily, your doctor will ask you to take a single daily dose of Chlorpropamide each morning with breakfast. However, if this upsets your stomach, he or she may ask you to take Chlorpropamide in smaller doses throughout the day. To prevent low blood sugar levels: You should understand the symptoms of hypoglycemia, Know how exercise affects your blood sugar levels, Maintain an adequate diet, and 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 two doses at the same time. Store Chlorpropamide at room temperature. Are there any Chlorpropamide side effects? Chlorpropamide side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Chlorpropamide side effects include diarrhea, hunger, itching, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach upset, and vomiting. Less common or rare Chlorpropamide side effects may include anemia and other blood disorders, hives, inflammation of the rectum and colon, sensitivity to light, and yellowing of the skin and eyes. Chlorpropamide, like all oral antidiabetics, can cause hypoglycemia. 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, and nervousness. Symptoms of more severe hypoglycemia may include coma, pale skin, seizures, and shallow breathing. Contact your doctor immediately if these symptoms of severe low blood sugar occur. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Chlorpropamide? If Chlorpropamide is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is important that you consult with your doctor before taking Chlorpropamide with Anabolic steroids, Aspirin in large doses, Barbiturates (such as Seconal), Beta-blocking blood pressure medications (such as Inderal and Tenormin), Calcium-blocking blood pressure medications (such as Cardizem and Procardia), Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin), Coumarin (Coumadin), Diuretics (such as Diuril and HydroDIURIL), Epinephrine (EpiPen), Estrogen medications (such as Premarin), Isoniazid (Nydrazid), Major tranquilizers (such as Mellaril and Thorazine), MAO inhibitor-type antidepressants (such as Nardil and Parnate), Nicotinic acid (Niacor, Niaspan), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (such as Advil, Motrin, Naprosyn, and Nuprin), Oral contraceptives, Phenothiazines, Phenylbutazone, Phenytoin (Dilantin), Probenecid (Benemid), Steroids (such as prednisone), Sulfa drugs (such as Bactrim and Septra), or Thyroid medications (such as Synthroid). Avoid alcohol since excessive alcohol consumption can cause low blood sugar, breathlessness, and facial flushing. Are there any special warnings about Chlorpropamide? It's possible that drugs such as Chlorpropamide 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 Chlorpropamide, 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 Chlorpropamide be discontinued temporarily and insulin used instead. In addition, the effectiveness of any oral antidiabetic, including Chlorpropamide, may decrease with time. This may occur because of either a diminished responsiveness to the medication or a worsening of the diabetes. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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