GLUCOVANCE
06 Sep 2019
Generic Name : Generic Name : GLYBURIDE & METFORMIN
ABSTRACT –
Glucovance is a combination of two drugs called glyburide and metformin which works for controlling blood sugar levels in the body. Glyburide belongs to the class of drugs called sulfonylureas. It works in the body by producing insulin and reducing the sugar amount made by liver. Further, metformin works by decreasing the amount of sugar absorbed by intestines. The drug is consumed along with exercise and a proper diet to improve the diabetic condition among adults with type 2 diabetes
DOSAGE –
- Glucovance has to be taken as directed by the doctors.
- Adult dosages:
Tablet: glyburide 2.5mg & metformin 500mg
Recommended dose- divided doses, twice daily, with meals
SIDE EFFECTS –
- Anxious
- Behavioral changes
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Drowsiness
- Excessive hunger
- Fast heartbeats
- Fever
- Headache
- Nausea
- Cold sweats
- Confusion
- Sneezing
- Unconsciousness
- Cough
- Nervousness
- Restless sleep
RARE SIDE EFFECTS
- Abdominal discomfort
- Feeling of discomfort
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- Muscle cramps
- Unusual sleepiness
DRUG INTERACTIONS –
- Aminolevulinic acid
- Bosentan
- Ciprofloxacin
- Delafloxacin
- Dioxilan
- Levofloxacin
- Norfloxacin
- Ofloxacin
- Sparfloxacin
- Trovafloxacin
- Voriconazole
- Lomefloxacin
- Metrizamide
- Diatrizoate
- Enoxacin
- Fluconazole
- Gatifloxacin
Glucovance has major interactions with 32 different drugs.
MODERATE DRUG INTERACTION
- Atenolol
- Balsalazide
- Cyclosporine
- Dabrafenib
- Furosemide
- Gemfibrozil
- Vortioxetine
- zonisamide
- Quinine
- Ramipril
- Ranitidine
- Ketorolac
- Labetalol
Glucovance has moderate interactions with 421 different drugs.
PRECAUTIONS –
- Avoid the use of medication while going for x-ray or CT scan where dye is injected into the veins.
- This drug may arise the risk of developing lactic acidosis resulting in symptoms like dizziness, weakness or stomach ache.
- This drug contains inactive ingredients which may result in allergic reactions. So a pharmacist must be consulted before consuming it
- It is necessary to discuss any medical history related to kidney disease, liver disease, heart attacks or any enzyme deficiency
- Since using this drug leads to drowsiness and blurred vision so activities like driving and others which needs more attention should be avoided.
- Limit the use of alcoholic beverages.
- This drug results in ovulation stimulation among premenopausal women leading to the increasing risk of unexpected pregnancies
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION WITH GLUCOVANCE:
- Use of Glucovance in pregnancy may be acceptable only if the benefits exceed the risks involved
- Studies in animal pregnancy have shown adverse effects on fetus. But no adequate studies have been found in humans to access the damage involved.
- Glucovance may transfer into breast milk. Preferable precautions must be taken during breast feeding
WARNINGS –
- The use of this drug is not recommended for patients with severe kidney disease.
- The medication is not used to treat type 1 diabetes.
- Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately