Chlorpropamide (By mouth)
klor-PROE-pa-mide
Treats diabetes mellitus. Belongs to a class of drugs called sulfonylureas.
Drug classes
Hypoglycemic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Chlorpropamide is used to treat high blood sugar levels caused by a type of diabetes mellitus called type 2 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, your body does not work properly to store excess sugar and the sugar remains in your blood. High blood sugar over a long time can lead to serious health problems.
Proper diet is the first step in managing type 2 diabetes, but often medicines are needed. Chlorpropamide belongs to a class of drugs called sulfonylureas. It increases the release of insulin from the pancreas, which helps your body store sugar. This also lowers the level of sugar in the blood and restores the way you use food to make energy.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
You may take your medicine with food or milk to avoid stomach upset.
If a dose is missed:
Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
You should not use two doses at the same time.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
While using this medicine, avoid using aspirin unless approved by your doctor.
Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking this medicine.
Chlorpropamide interacts with many medicines. Before you start taking chlorpropamide, make sure your doctor knows of all other medicines you are taking.
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to chlorpropamide or to related medicines such as Orinase®, Tolinase®, DiaBeta®, or Micronase®. You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Warnings
Talk with your doctor before taking if you have liver, kidney, or heart disease, G-6-PD deficiency, or have an adrenal or pituitary gland disorder.
To control your diabetes, follow the diet that your doctor ordered and take this medicine on a regular schedule.
You may have low blood sugar while you are taking chlorpropamide, especially if you miss a meal, exercise for a long time, or drink alcohol. Symptoms of low blood sugar include sweating, shakiness, weakness, trouble concentrating, drowsiness, feeling very hungry, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, confusion, or a headache that won’t go away.
Ask your doctor what you should do in case you have low blood sugar. You will need to control it quickly.
Tell your doctor or dentist you are taking chlorpropamide before you have any kind of surgery.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when outdoors. Avoid sunlamps or tanning beds.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Unexplained fever, chills, or sore throat
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Yellowing of skin or eyes
Dark urine, light bowel movements
Swelling of feet or legs
Severe tiredness or confusion
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Headache
Skin sensitive to sunlight
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Diabinese
There may be other brand names for this medicine.