Where is Chlorpropamide used?
Chlorpropamide is used in people with type 2 diabetes. This medicine is recommended to use with a proper diet and exercise program. This may also be used with other diabetes medications. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this medication.
People with type 2 diabetes have a lack of a hormone called insulin. It is produced by the pancreas. Insulin is the main hormone responsible for controlling sugar levels in the blood. It usually makes the cells of the body remove excess sugar from the blood. In type 2 diabetes, this hormone is made inefficiently in response to surges of blood sugar.
How does Chlorpropamide work?
Chlorpropamide belongs to the class of medications known as sulfonylureas. This drug appears to lower the blood glucose acutely by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas. It is an effect dependent upon functioning beta cells in the pancreatic islets. This medication is absorbed rapidly from the gastrointestinal tract. After a single dose, within an hour it is rapidly detectable in the blood. It also reaches the level of the maximum within 2 to 4 hours. This drug works by lowering your blood sugar by causing the release of your body’s natural insulin.
How is Chlorpropamide taken?
This medicine is to be taken usually once a day with breakfast. The medicine is taken by mouth. The recommended dosage is based on your condition and response. If it causes an upset stomach, discuss with your doctor if it may be helpful to divide your daily dose into smaller doses to be taken several times daily. Take this medicine at the same time each day or as directed by your doctor.
Your doctor may direct you to start taking this medicine at a low dose and slowly increase it to lessen your risk of side effects. Carefully follow the instructions of your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of Chlorpropamide?
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Mild hunger
- Redness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Weight gain
- Skin rash
- Itching
- Unusual fatigue
- Severe stomach or abdominal pain
- Dark urine
If these side effects continue or get worse, call your doctor right away.
What are the precautions in taking Chlorpropamide?
- Before using his drug, let your doctor know if you have any medical history, allergies, or current medications such as vitamins and herbal supplements.
- Bloodsugar levels could be affected by skipping meals, alcohol use, exercise, surgery, illness, and stress. Talk to your doctor before changing your dosage or medication schedule.
- Follow the instructions of your doctor about using this medicine if you are breastfeeding or pregnant. Blood sugar control is very important during pregnancy and your dosage needs may be different during each trimester of pregnancy.
- Stop taking this and call for medical help if there is an allergic reaction. It is important to inform your doctor if you ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine or if you have any allergies.
- Do not use this longer than the prescription.
- You should not stop or change the dosage without consulting your doctor.
