Glibenclamide: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Glibenclamide is a sulfonylurea medicine for diabetes. It is a prescription medicine used for type 2 diabetes. In Pakistan it is available as tablets, made by 24 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.
How Glibenclamide works
Glibenclamide is a sulfonylurea. It acts on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, prompting them to release more insulin, which then moves sugar out of the blood. Because it is long-acting and works even when blood sugar is already normal, it carries a higher risk of low blood sugar than some other diabetes medicines.
What is Glibenclamide used for?
Glibenclamide is used together with a healthy diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. It may be added when metformin alone is not enough, or used when metformin is not suitable. Keeping blood sugar under control helps reduce the long-term risk of damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart.
Side effects of Glibenclamide
The main thing to watch for with Glibenclamide is low blood sugar. Other side effects include:
- Low blood sugar, with shakiness, sweating, hunger or confusion
- Nausea or stomach upset
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Weight gain
- Skin rash or itching
If you have signs of low blood sugar, take glucose or a sugary drink straight away and then eat something starchy. Get emergency help if symptoms do not improve, or for yellowing of the skin or a severe rash.
Precautions and warnings
- It is usually avoided in older people and those with kidney problems, as low blood sugar can be prolonged and severe.
- Take it with breakfast or your first main meal, and do not skip or delay meals.
- Alcohol, missed meals, heavy exercise and some other medicines can all increase the risk of low blood sugar, so check your levels regularly.
- Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, G6PD deficiency or an allergy to sulfonamide medicines.
- It is not used for type 1 diabetes, and if you become pregnant or plan to breastfeed your doctor will review your treatment.
Frequently asked questions about Glibenclamide
What is the price of Glibenclamide in Pakistan?
At Medimart, Glibenclamide products currently in stock range from Rs 12 to Rs 859 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Glimme 5mg Tablet at Rs 12. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.Which brands of Glibenclamide are available in Pakistan?
Glibenclamide is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Glimet (CCL Pharmaceuticals Ltd), Glicon (Efroze Chemical Industries (PVT.) Ltd), Diamicron (Servier Research & Pharmaceutical Pvt Ltd), Euglucon (Martin Dow Pharmaceuticals Ltd), Daonil (Sanofi Aventis Pakistan Limited), Glimme (Batala Pharma), Semi (Efroze Chemical Industries (PVT.) Ltd) and Diamide (Epla), along with 14 more brands listed below.Do I need a prescription for Glibenclamide?
Yes. Glibenclamide is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.
Can Glibenclamide be used during pregnancy?
It is not used for type 1 diabetes, and if you become pregnant or plan to breastfeed your doctor will review your treatment.
Are all Glibenclamide brands the same?
Brands that contain the same amount of Glibenclamide in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.
Glibenclamide brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 20+ products containing Glibenclamide from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
