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Side Effects of Diapride Plus

Diapride Plus is Micro Labs Ltd.'s brand name for its formulation of two diabetes drugs, glimepiride and metformin. The drug is used to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes (adult-onset or non-insulin dependent). It works by stimulating the body to produce more insulin. The drug has a number of potentially serious side effects that patients should discuss with their doctor prior to taking it.

  1. How Diapride Plus Works

    • In general, Diapride Plus works by increasing the body's production of insulin while decreasing the amount of blood glucose produced in the liver. The two components of Diapride Plus each have a slightly different method of action. Glimepiride stimulates cells in the pancreas to produce more insulin and prevents liver cells from producing more blood glucose. It also helps increase the body's sensitivity to insulin. Metformin decreases glucose production and also decreases the amount of glucose absorbed in the intestines. Like glimepiride, metformin increases insulin sensitivity.

    Negative Drug Reactions

    • A number of negative side effects have been reported with Diapride Plus. These include diarrhea , vomiting, rash, allergic skin reactions, blurred vision and a metallic taste in the mouth. The drug can elevate levels of transaminase, which may cause false-positive results in tests for liver damage. Cholestatic jaundice, a yellowing of the skin caused by abnormal bile flow from the liver, has also been reported. A series of blood disorders are also associated with use of Diapride Plus, including leukopenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic and aplastic anemia, and pancytopenia. Lactic acidosis, a build up of acid in the blood stream, has also been reported with this drug and may be potentially fatal.

    Drug Interactions

    • A number of commonly prescribed drugs can interact with Diapride Plus. Taking the drug with propranolol, a heart medication, can increase the levels of glimepiride in the blood. Aspirin can have the same effect. Furosemide, another common heart medication, can increase metformin levels in the blood.

      A number of other medications, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, salicylates, sulfonamides, chloramphenicol, coumarins, probenecid, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) and beta blockers, can increase the rate at which Diapride Plus lowers blood sugar, leading to potentially fatal hypoglycemia.

      Patients should tell their doctor about all medications they are taking before starting Diapride Plus.

    Contraindications

    • Because of the known side effects of Diapride Plus, some people should not take the drug or use it only under close supervision from their doctor. Patients with diabetic ketoacidosis or impaired kidney function should not take the drug. Those with metabolic acidosis should not take it nor should patients undergoing radiological diagnostic procedures. As with many medications, Diapride Plus should not be taken by pregnant or lactating women.

    Other Precautions

    • Because of the impact Diapride Plus has on the liver, patients with impaired liver function should be cautious about taking it. So should patients with compromised kidney function. Patients should be cautioned to watch for symptoms of low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. If you're taking Diapride Plus, you should also avoid consuming alcohol.

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