Sulphonylureas Flashcards
Give 2 examples of short acting sulphonylureas
- Gliclazide
- Tolbutamide
Give 2 examples of long acting sulphonylureas
- Glibenclamide
- Glimpiride
What is the disadvantage of long-acting sulphonylureas
More likely to cause hypoglycaemia
What is the mechanism of action of sulphonylureas?
Stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreatic beta cells
What is the route of delivery of sulphonylureas?
PO
What are the indications for sulphonylureas?
T2DM
What are the contraindications to sulphonylureas?
Ketoacidosis
Can sulphonylureas be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Some should be avoided due to risk of hypoglycaemia in the infant
When should sulphonylureas be used with caution?
- Elderly
- Those with G6PD deficiency
What might interact with sulphonylureas?
- Insulin
- Other anti-diabetic drugs
- Alcohol
- ACEi
- Warfarin
What might happen if insulin/other anti-diabetic drugs or alcohol are given with sulphonylureas?
Increased risk of hypoglycaemia
What might happen if ACEi or warfarin are given with sulphonylureas?
These drugs possibly enhance the hypoglycaemic effect of sulphonylureas
What monitoring is required with sulphonylureas?
Monitoring of blood glucose and body weight during therapy
What are the less common side effects of sulphonylureas?
- Hypoglycaemia
- GI upset
- Weight gain
- Blood disorders, e.g. aplastic anaemia, agranulocytosis
What are the other side effects (frequency not known) of sulphonylureas?
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Erythema multiforme
What patient counselling is required with sulphonylureas?
- Mode of action
- How to take
- Preventing hypoglycaemia
- Weight gain
- Surgery
- Driving advice
What should the patient be told regarding mode of action of sulphonylureas?
Explain that this medication will help reduce the patient’s blood sugars by helping the body produce more insulin. This medication will not cure the patients diabetes, and they will need to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly
What should the patient be told about how to take sulphonylureas?
With food
What should the patient be told about preventing hypoglycaemia with sulphonylureas?
Educate patients about signs of hypoglycaemic attack and provide instructions about what to do if the patient or peoples in the patients surroundings should do in the event of a hypoglycaemic attack
What should the patient be told about weight gain with sulphonylureas?
Warn patients that there is a risk of weight gain so it is important to monitor their weight
What should the patient be told about surgery with sulphonylureas?
Drugs usually omitted on the morning of surgery
