Side Effects of Sulfonylureas

Sulfonylureas are a class of drugs used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The body releases insulin to bring down blood sugar levels, but in type 2 diabetes the body does not respond to insulin the way it should, leading to an increase in the blood sugar levels. Sulfonylureas work to lower blood sugar levels by releasing insulin from the pancreas and helping the body use it efficiently. Drugs in this class are glipizide and glyburide.

Central Nervous System

• The patient taking sulfonylureas may experience neurological side effects like dizziness, headaches and drowsiness. If you take sulfonylurea medications, you should not perform activities that require alertness, such as driving, until you know how your body responds to the drug.

Gastrointestinal

• The digestive system may be affected by sulfonylureas. It may cause constipation, diarrhea, stomach cramps, heartburn, drug-induced hepatitis, an increase in appetite, vomiting and nausea.

Endocrine

• Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels is a side effect of sulfonylureas. The signs of hypoglycemia are hunger, shakiness, dizziness, sweating, numbness or tingling around the mouth, confusion, difficulty speaking, feeling anxious and feeling weak or tired. You and those around you should know these signs so that you can obtain and eat something that contains sugar or seek medical care. If hypoglycemia is not treated, it could lead to seizures and loss of consciousness, which require immediate medical attention.

Skin

• Rashes, itchy or reddened skin, sensitivity to sunlight and yellow discoloration of the skin or eyes are side effects of sulfonylureas on the skin.

Hematologic

• The effects of sulfonylurea medications on the blood are aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis, low white blood cell counts and pancytopenia.

Serious Side Effects

• Some side effects are serious side and should be reported to the doctor right away. High blood sugar or hyperglycemia can occur when you take sulfonylurea drugs. The signs are extreme thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, weakness and blurred vision. If hyperglycemia is not treated, diabetic ketoacidosis could occur, and it is life-threatening. Signs of diabetic ketoacidosis are dry mouth, fruity breath odor, shortness of breath, upset stomach, vomiting and decreased level of consciousness.

Other side effects

• If a person taking sulfonylurea drugs drinks alcohol, he may have a side effect called a disulfiram-like reaction where he experiences flushing of the skin, irregular heartbeats and nausea. Ask your doctor about alcohol consumption if you are taking a sulfonylurea drug.