Acarbose slows the digestion of carbohydrates in the body, which helps control blood sugar levels.

Acarbose is used to treat type 2 diabetes. Acarbose is sometimes used in combination with insulin or other diabetes medications you take by mouth.

Dosage and direction

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Take Acarbose with the first bite of a main meal, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Your medication needs may change if you become sick or injured, if you have a serious infection, or if you have any type of surgery. Your doctor may want you to stop taking acarbose for a short time if any of these situations affect you. Do not change your dose or stop taking acarbose without first talking to your doctor

Precautions

Take care to keep your blood sugar from getting too low, causing hypoglycemia. You may have hypoglycemia if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress.

Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them:

hunger, weakness, nausea, irritability, tremors;

drowsiness, dizziness, headache, blurred vision;

confusion, trouble concentrating;

sweating, fast heartbeat;

seizure (convulsions); or

fainting, coma (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal).

Keep a supply of oral glucose (dextrose) with you in case you have low blood sugar. While you are taking acarbose, candy or table sugar (sucrose) may not work as well as dextrose in quickly raising your blood sugar. Also be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.

Acarbose is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. It is important to use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Contraindications

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking acarbose. Alcohol lowers blood sugar and may increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Avoid taking a digestive enzyme such as pancreatin, amylase, or lipase at the same time you take acarbose. These enzymes can make it harder for your body to absorb acarbose. Products that contain digestive enzymes include Arco-Lase, Cotazym, Donnazyme, Pancrease, Creon, and Ku-Zyme.

Possible side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these liver symptoms:

low fever;

nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite;

dark urine, clay-colored stools; or

jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

mild stomach pain, gas, bloating;

diarrhea; or

mild skin rash or itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

Drug interaction

You may be more likely to have hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) if you are taking acarbose with other drugs that raise blood sugar. Drugs that can raise blood sugar include:

isoniazid;

digoxin;

niacin, nicotine patches or gum;

diuretics (water pills);

steroids (prednisone and others);

phenothiazines (Compazine and others);

thyroid medicine (Synthroid and others);

birth control pills and other hormones;

seizure medications (Dilantin and others);

cold or asthma medications;

diet pills, stimulants, or medicines to treat ADHD; or

a calcium channel blocker such as diltiazem (Tiazac, Cartia, Cardizem), felodipine (Plendil), nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat), verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan), and others.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can affect your blood sugar or interact with acarbose. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember (be sure to take it with a meal). If it has been longer than 15 minutes since you started your meal, you may still take acarbose but it may be less effective than taking it with the first bite of the meal. Do not take acarbose between meals, and do not take extra medicine to make up a missed dose.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include bloating, gas, or stomach discomfort.

In case of overdose, do not eat or drink anything containing carbohydrates for the next 4 to 6 hours.

Storage

Store Acarbose at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from moisture and heat

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. The specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Amaryl is an oral blood sugar-lowering drug which belongs to the class of sulfonylureas. Active substance is Glimepiride. It is used together with diet and exercise to treat type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes. The mechanism of its action is to stimulate the secretion and release of insulin from beta cells of the pancreas (pancreatic effect). Amaryl is used to treat non-insulin depending diabetes (type 2) as monotherapy or in combination with insulin (or metformin).

Dosage and direction

The best dose is determined by a physician on a basis of regular measurements of blood sugar content.

Precautions

Be careful your sugar not to fall too low due to stress, skipping a meal, exercising too long, or drinking alcohol. Know signs of hypoglycemia and keep a source of sugar at hand. If your sugar level is too high you may feel very thirsty or hungry. You may also urinate more than usual. Take this medication exactly as prescribed as it is a part of a complicated program consisting of diet, medication, and exercise routines. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, have adrenal or pituitary gland problems before to take this medication.

Contraindication

Amaryl is contraindicated in patients with history of diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic coma and prekoma, insulin-dependent diabetes (type 1), severe renal dysfunction, severe hepatic impairment, individual hypersensitivity to Amaryl, other members of sulfonylurea class and sulfonamides.

Possible side effect

If you have any signs of allergic reaction to this medication such as hives, swelling of face and throat, rash or other major symptoms (severe skin rash, itching, redness, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, numbness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, abdominal pain, fever, nausea)seek for immediate medical help.

Drug interaction

Diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril, Ezide, Hydro-Par, Microzide, furosemide (Lasix)), corticosteroids such as prednisone and methylprednisolone (Medrol), phenytoin (Dilantin), niacin, and sympathomimetics such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) are able to increase blood sugar and diminish effect of Amaryl. Propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin) belong to beta-blockers and also are able to affect blood levels and decrease activity of Amaryl.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember about it. If it is almost time of your next dose just skip it and return to your regular schedule.

Overdose

Immediate medical attention in needed in case you too too much of the medicine. Possible side effects include: extreme weakness, confusion, blurred vision, stomach pain, trouble speaking, tremors, sweating, seizure, and coma.

Storage

Store at room temperature in a tight container and keep away from sunlight, moisture, kids and pets.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Glipizide is sulfonylurea class of drugs a drug used to treat type 2 of diabetes and belongs to sulfonylurea class of drugs together with glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta), tolbutamide (Orinase) and tolazamide (Tolinase). It stimulates insulin secretion by beta-cells of pancreas.

Dosage and direction

Do not change your dose of Glipizide without first talking to your doctor. A starting dose when for immediate release tablets is 5 mg which should be taken 30 minutes before a meal. The maximum dose is 40 mg daily. Maximum dose of extended release tablets should not exceed 20 mg daily. Take it with a full glass of water before a meal. The best result of treatment is achieved when this medication is taken on a regular basis.

Precautions

Treatment with Glipizide may increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages as it lowers blood sugar. Do not chew, divide, or crush extended release tablets of Glipizide, swallow them whole.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (juvenile diabetes, diabetes, accompanied by ketoacidosis or precoma) severe kidney or liver failure, stenosis of the gastrointestinal tract, infancy.

Side effects

Besides signs of allergy (hives, rash, swelling of face and tongue) in some patients other symptoms are described: headache, dizziness, diarrhea, gas, hepatitis, jaundice, and a low sodium concentration.

Drug interaction

Alcohol delays effects of Glipizide by slowing its absorption. Glipizide should be administered 1-2 hours before cholestyramine as the latter affects its absorption. Fluconazole (Diflucan) increases absorption and effectiveness of Glipizide. Medications which lower and rise blood sugar are able to change Glipizide effect: aspirin or another salicylate, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, sulfa-based drugs such as sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra), MAO- inhibitors, beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal), thiazide diuretics, steroid medicines such as prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone),estrogens, corticosteroids, thyroid medicines, phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), niacin, phenytoin, and calcium channel blocking drugs.

Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or time for your next dose is in a short while. Do not take double doses of this medication or extra doses of it. Take your usually dose next day in the same regularly time.

Overdose

Symptoms of Glipizide overdose are ones of low blood sugar: hunger, nausea, anxiety, cold sweats, weakness, drowsiness, unconsciousness, and coma. If you experience one of them or any unusual symptoms call your doctor immediately.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 20-25 C (68-77 F). Store away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. It is not recommended to store in a bathroom and places available for children.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Glucovance is a combination of two orally taken drugs possessing a hyproglycemic effect which belong to two different groups: metformin and glibenclamide. Metformin belongs to biguanide class of substances and decreases blood levels of glucose by increasity susceptibility of peripheral tissues to action of insulin. Metmorfin decreases absorption of carbohydrates in gastrointestinal tract and inhibits synthesis of glucose in the liver. Glibenclamide is a derivate of sulfonylurea and acts stimulating secretion of insulin by β-cells of the pancreas. It is used along with a diet and exercise program to to treat type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent diabetes).

Dosage and direction

Take Glucovance twice daily with meals and full glass of water. Take it regularly and each time every day to get the best benefit from it.

Precautions

Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages during treatment with this medication. Notify your doctor first than to take Glucovance if you have any kind of fever, thyroid gland diseases with functional disorders, hypofunction of the anterior pituitary or the adrenal cortex. Inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before to take this drug and also if you have severe breathing problems (e.g., obstructive lung disease, severe asthma), thyroid disease, blood problems (e.g., anemia, vitamin B-12 deficiency).

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to metformin, glyburide, or other derivatives of sulfonylurea, type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic precoma, diabetic coma, kidney failure or kidney dysfunction, severe conditions which may lead to kidney dysfunction (dehydration, severe infection, shock), acute or chronic diseases that are accompanied by hypoxia of tissues: cardiac or respiratory failure, recent myocardial infarction,

hepatic impairment, porphyria, pregnancy, breast-feeding, co-administration with miconazole (anti-fungal), infectious diseases, extensive surgery, trauma, extensive burns and other conditions requiring a therapy with insulin, abnormal liver function, chronic alcoholism, acute alcohol intoxication, lactic acidosis, usage 48 hours before and 48 hours after the radioisotope or radiological examinations with help of iodinated contrast agents, in patients over 60 y.o., or doing hard physical work (risk of lactic acidosis increases), low glucose diet.

Side effects

The following side effects are most common and be rather severe to stop taking of the medication: swelling or rapid weight gain, nausea, vomiting, gas, bloating, diarrhea and loss of appetite. In case of lactic acidosis also get emergency medical help: shortness of breath, stomach pain, weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting. Allergic reaction is also possible: hives, swelling, rash.

Drug interaction

Cimetidine (Tagamet) increases blood levels of Glucophage affecting its metabolism. Glucophage is not compatible with alcohol. Concomitant administration with indirect anticoagulants and Cimetidine should be done with cautiousness. Glucophage enhances metabolism of Furosemide. Derivatives of sulfonylurea, insulin, acarbose, inhibitors of MAO, ACE inhibitors (such as captopril), oxytetracycline, cyclophosphamide and salicylates increase the effects of Glucophage. Decrease of hypoglycemic effect of Glucophage is caused by co-administration with thyroid medicines, birth control pills and other hormones, Epinephrine, Glucagon, thiazide diuretics, nicotinic acid derivates. Azole antifungals (fluconazole) also interact with Glucovance.

Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or almost time for your next dose. Do not take double or extra doses. Take your usually dose next day in the same regularly time.

Overdose

Symptoms of Glucovance overdose are ones of low blood sugar: hunger, tremors, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, headache, weakness, sweating, fast heartbeat, seizure and have a source of sugar at hand always. If you experience one of them or any unusual symptoms call your doctor immediately.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 20-25 C (68-77 F). Store away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. It is not recommended to store in a bathroom and places available for children.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Glycomet is an oral diabetes medicine used to treat type 2 of diabetes. Its active substance is Metformin which belongs to biguanide class of substances. It reduces concentration of glucose in blood suppressing metabolism of glucose in the liver, reducing absorption of glucose from the gastrointestinal tract, and enhancing its utilization in tissues. Glycomet stabilizes or reduces body weight. The therapeutic effect is not observed in the absence of insulin in the blood. It does not cause hypoglycemic reactions. It improves fibrinolytic properties of blood. It I used to treat diabetes mellitus (type 2) in adults also in patients for who treatment with sulfonylurea was ineffective, especially in cases followed by obesity.

Dosage and direction

Do not take if this medication was not prescribed to you and do not exceed the recommended dose. Take it with a meal if your doctor did not recommend you to take it differently. Glycomet is administered for taking twice daily by 500 mg or 850 mg once daily to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. Basing on the glucose levels in the blood the dose of Glycomet can be increased to the maximum daily dose of 2550 mg given in three divided doses.

Precautions

This medication is able to cause a life threatening condition in some people which is characterized by weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heartbeat, cold feeling, muscle pain, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, feeling light-headed, and fainting. It is called lactic acidosis. If you experience such symptoms get immediate medical attention. Also be attentive to symptoms of low blood sugar which include hunger, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, headache, weakness, fast heartbeat, tremors, sweating, seizure and have a source of sugar at hand always. Avoid drinking alcohol.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, hyperglycemic coma, ketoacidosis, kidney failure, liver disease, heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, respiratory failure, dehydration, infectious diseases, extensive surgery and trauma, alcoholism, reduced-calorie diet (less than 1000 kcal/day), lactic acidosis (including history), pregnancy, breastfeeding. The drug is not prescribed to take 2 days before a surgery, radioisotope and X-ray examinations, CAT scanning (CT). Glycomet is contraindicated in patients over 60 y.o., or doing hard physical work (risk of lactic acidosis increases).

Side effects

The following side effects are most common and be rather severe to stop taking of the medication: swelling or rapid weight gain, nausea, vomiting, gas, bloating, diarrhea and loss of appetite. In case of lactic acidosis also get emergency medical help: weakness, increasing drowsiness, slow heartbeat, cold feeling, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, muscle pain, lightheadedness, and fainting. Allergic reaction is also possible: hives, swelling, rash.

Drug interaction

Cimetidine (Tagamet) increases blood levels of Glycomet affecting its metabolism. Glycomet is not compatible with alcohol. Concomitant administration with indirect anticoagulants and Cimetidine should be done with cautiousness. Glycomet enhances metabolism of Furosemide. Derivatives of sulfonylurea, insulin, acarbose, inhibitors of MAO, oxytetracycline, cyclophosphamide and salicylates increase the effects of Glycomet. Decrease of hypoglycemic effect of Glycomet is caused by co-administration with thyroid medicines, birth control pills and other hormones, Epinephrine, Glucagon, thiazide diuretics, nicotinic acid derivates.

Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or time for your next dose is in a short while. Do not take double doses of this medication or extra doses of it. Take your usually dose next day in the same regularly time.

Overdose

Symptoms of Glycomet overdose are ones of low blood sugar: hunger, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, headache, weakness,, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeat, seizure and have a source of sugar at hand always. If you experience one of them or any unusual symptoms call your doctor immediately.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 20-25 C (68-77 F). Store away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. It is not recommended to store in a bathroom and places available for children.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Аnу specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Micronase contains glyburide, which lowers glucose levels in the blood. It belongs to the diabetic drugs of sulfonylureas class. Insulin is produced in the pancreas and reduces synthesis of glucose by the liver and stimulates cells in the body to remove glucose from the blood. Type 2 diabetes occurs in the patients whose body either does not produce enough insulin or fails to use insulin properly. Glucose levels produced by the liver increase and pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to make the cells resistant to it to work properly. Micronase stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin.

Dosage and direction

Initial dose of Micronase is 2.5-5 mg daily. The maximum dose is 1.25-20 mg a day. Take Micronase with the first main meal of the day.

Precautions

Inform your doctor if you have a heart condition, Micronase and similar drugs may lead to more heart problems than diet treatment alone, or diet plus insulin. Blood and urine should be tested for abnormal sugar in the patients taking Micronase. Follow the diet and all recommendations of your doctor. Micronase and any other antidiabetic drug may become less effect with time due to diminished responsiveness of the organism to the drug or because of worsening of the diabetes. Notify your doctor if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding.

Contraindications

Micronase cannot be administered to the patients if there is allergy to similar medications such as chlorpropamide or glipizide, those suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis. Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis are caused by insufficient insulin: nausea, fatigue, excessive thirst, pain below the breastbone, and fruity breath.

Possible side effect

The most common adverse reactions to Micronase are nausea, bloating, heartburn, rashes, low blood sugar, blurred vision and weight gain. Serious but rare side effects include hepatitis, jaundice, and hyponatremia. Hypoglycemia is mostly likely to occur in elderly, weak, and undernourished people, and especially if they liver, adrenal, kidney, or pituitary gland problems. Avoid drinking alcohol, missing meals, taking medications which were not prescribed to you, as the risk of hypoglycemia increases. Factors of risk may also be fever, infection, surgery, trauma, or excessive exercise.

Drug interaction

Micronase cannot be combined with Bosentan (Tracleer) due to increase in liver toxicity and reduction of the effect of the both drugs. Bosentan also increases katabolism of Micronase in the liver.

Thiazide diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril) may increase glucose concentration in the blood and reduce effects of Micronase. Inform your doctor about all prescribed and over-the-counter medications you are currently taking and especially about: fluoroquinolone type antibiotics such as levofloxacin (Levaquin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), antidiabetic agents such as Micronase, airway-opening drugs (albuterol), anabolic steroids (testosterone,danazol), antacids, aspirin, beta blockers (atenolol and propranolol), blood thinners (warfarin), calcium channel blockers (diltiazem and nifedipine), antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, Chloramphenicol, Cimetidine, Clofibrate, Estrogens, Fluconazole, Furosemide, Gemfibrozil, Isoniazid, Itraconazole, tranquilizers(trifluoperazine and thioridazine) MAO inhibitors, Metformin, Niacin, NSAIDs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, and naproxen), oral contraceptives, Phenytoin, Probenecid, prednisone, sulfamethoxazole, thiazide diuretics (chlorothiazide and hydrochlorothiazide),

levothyroxine.

Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or almost time for your next dose. Do not increase your recommended dose. Take your usually dose next day in the same regularly time.

Overdose

Overdose symptoms of Micronase include pale skin, seizure, coma, shallow breathing and are stipulated by low blood sugar. Contact your doctor or seek for immediate medical help if you exerience symptoms listed above.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-77 F (15-25 C) away from light and moisture, kids and pets. Do not use after expiration term.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Glucophage is an oral diabetes medicine used to treat type 2 of diabetes. Its active substance is Metformin which belongs to biguanide class of substances. It reduces concentration of glucose in blood suppressing metabolism of glucose in the liver, reducing absorption of glucose from the gastrointestinal tract, and enhancing its utilization in tissues. Glucophage stabilizes or reduces body weight. The therapeutic effect is not observed in the absence of insulin in the blood. It does not cause hypoglycemic reactions. It improves fibrinolytic properties of blood. It I used to treat diabetes mellitus (type 2) in adults also in patients for who treatment with sulfonylurea was ineffective, especially in cases followed by obesity.

Dosage and direction

Do not take if this medication was not prescribed to you and do not exceed the recommended dose. Take it with a meal if your doctor did not recommend you to take it differently. Glucophage is administered for taking twice daily by 500 mg or 850 mg once daily to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. Basing on the glucose levels in the blood the dose of Glucophage can be increased to the maximum daily dose of 2550 mg given in three divided doses.

Precautions

This medication is able to cause a life threatening condition in some people which is characterized by weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heartbeat, cold feeling, muscle pain, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, feeling light-headed, and fainting. It is called lactic acidosis. If you experience such symptoms get immediate medical attention. Also be attentive to symptoms of low blood sugar which include hunger, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, headache, weakness, fast heartbeat, tremors, sweating, seizure and have a source of sugar at hand always. Avoid drinking alcohol.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, hyperglycemic coma, ketoacidosis, kidney failure, liver disease, heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, respiratory failure, dehydration, infectious diseases, extensive surgery and trauma, alcoholism, reduced-calorie diet (less than 1000 kcal / day), lactic acidosis (including history), pregnancy, breastfeeding. The drug is not prescribed to take 2 days before a surgery, radioisotope and X-ray examinations, CAT scanning (CT). Glucophage is contraindicated in patients over 60 y.o., or doing hard physical work (risk of lactic acidosis increases).

Side effects

The following side effects are most common and be rather severe to stop taking of the medication: swelling or rapid weight gain, nausea, vomiting, gas, bloating, diarrhea and loss of appetite. In case of lactic acidosis also get emergency medical help: weakness, increasing drowsiness, slow heartbeat, cold feeling, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, muscle pain, lightheadedness, and fainting. Allergic reaction is also possible: hives, swelling, rash.

Drug interaction

Cimetidine (Tagamet) increases blood levels of Glucophage affecting its metabolism. Glucophage is not compatible with alcohol. Concomitant administration with indirect anticoagulants and Cimetidine should be done with cautiousness. Glucophage enhances metabolism of Furosemide. Derivatives of sulfonylurea, insulin, acarbose, inhibitors of MAO, oxytetracycline, cyclophosphamide and salicylates increase the effects of Glucophage. Decrease of hypoglycemic effect of Glucophage is caused by co-administration with thyroid medicines, birth control pills and other hormones, Epinephrine, Glucagon, thiazide diuretics, nicotinic acid derivates.

Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or time for your next dose is in a short while. Do not take double doses of this medication or extra doses of it. Take your usually dose next day in the same regularly time.

Overdose

Symptoms of Glucophage overdose are ones of low blood sugar: hunger, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, headache, weakness,, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeat, seizure and have a source of sugar at hand always. If you experience one of them or any unusual symptoms call your doctor immediately.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 20-25 C (68-77 F). Store away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. It is not recommended to store in a bathroom and places available for children.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Glipizide is sulfonylurea class of drugs a drug used to treat type 2 of diabetes and belongs to sulfonylurea class of drugs together with glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta), tolbutamide (Orinase) and tolazamide (Tolinase). It stimulates insulin secretion by beta-cells of pancreas.

Dosage and direction

Do not change your dose of Glipizide without first talking to your doctor. A starting dose when for immediate release tablets is 5 mg which should be taken 30 minutes before a meal. The maximum dose is 40 mg daily. Maximum dose of extended release tablets should not exceed 20 mg daily. Take it with a full glass of water before a meal. The best result of treatment is achieved when this medication is taken on a regular basis.

Precautions

Treatment with Glipizide may increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages as it lowers blood sugar. Do not chew, divide, or crush extended release tablets of Glipizide, swallow them whole.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (juvenile diabetes, diabetes, accompanied by ketoacidosis or precoma) severe kidney or liver failure, stenosis of the gastrointestinal tract, infancy.

Side effects

Besides signs of allergy (hives, rash, swelling of face and tongue) in some patients other symptoms are described: headache, dizziness, diarrhea, gas, hepatitis, jaundice, and a low sodium concentration.

Drug interaction

Alcohol delays effects of Glipizide by slowering its absorption. Glipizide should be administered 1-2 hours before cholestyramine as the latter affects its absorption. Fluconazole (Diflucan) increases absorption and effectiveness of Glipizide. Medications which lower and rise blood sugar are able to change Glipizide effect: aspirin or another salicylate, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, sulfa-based drugs such as sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra), MAO- inhibitors, beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal), thiazide diuretics, steroid medicines such as prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone),estrogens, corticosteroids, thyroid medicines, phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), niacin, phenytoin, and calcium channel blocking drugs.

Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or time for your next dose is in a short while. Do not take double doses of this medication or extra doses of it. Take your usually dose next day in the same regularly time.

Overdose

Symptoms of Glipizide overdose are ones of low blood sugar: hunger, nausea, anxiety, cold sweats, weakness, drowsiness, unconsciousness, and coma. If you experience one of them or any unusual symptoms call your doctor immediately.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 20-25 C (68-77 F). Store away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. It is not recommended to store in a bathroom and places available for children.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Àïó specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Generic DDAVP nasal spray used to prevent or control the frequent urination and loss of water caused by diabetes insipidus characterized by frequent urination, which can disrupt sleep and sometimes to cause bed-wetting. Active substance of the drug is desmopressin acetate.

Dosage and direction

The usual dose is from 1 to 4 sprays daily (0.1 to 0.4 ml), dosage depends on the medical condition and response to DDAVP. In children between 3 months to 12 years of age the recommended dose is 0.05- 0.3 ml daily, taken as a single dose or divided into 2 doses. Do not use the medication more frequently than prescribed. Avoid drinking too much liquid while on DDAVP. Never swallow the medication or let the liquid run into your mouth.

Precautions

Cautiousness is required in the patients with cystic fibrosis, any condition in which there is fluid and electrolyte imbalance, high blood pressure and/or coronary artery disease. In case of continued nasal bleeding while using DDAVP contact your doctor.

Contraindications

This medicine is contraindicated in the patients with hypersensitivity to the components of DDAVP.

Possible side effect

High doses may result in nausea, headache, mild abdominal cramps, irritation of the nose, stuffy nose, or flushing. Other adverse reactions may include: conjunctivitis (pinkeye), depression, dizziness, inability to produce tears, nostril pain, rash, swelling around the eyes, weakness, stomach or intestinal upset, fluid retention and swelling, agitation, chest pain, chills, dizziness, indigestion, insomnia, itchy or light-sensitive eyes, inflammation of the penis, pain, sleepiness, vomiting, warm feeling, pounding heartbeat, rapid heartbeat.

Drug interaction

Inform your doctor if you are currently taking any drug used to increase blood pressure (dopamine, epinephrine, ephedrine, levophed), Clofibrate, Glyburide, Epinephrine, carbamazepine, chlorpropamide, demeclocycline, water pills (diuretics). Concomitant use of alcoholic beverages and DDAVP increases urination.

Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or almost time for your next dose. Do not increase your recommended dose. Take your usually dose next day in the same regularly time.

Overdose

Any drug taken in excess may be dangerous. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical help. Symptoms of DDAVP overdose include abdominal cramps, headache, flushing, or nausea.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-77 F (15-25 C) away from light and moisture, kids and pets. Do not use after expiration term.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.