Chlorpropamide (By Mouth)

Chlorpropamide (klor-PROE-pa-mide)

Treats diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes). Belongs to a class of drugs called sulfonylureas.

Brand Name(s):

Diabinese
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

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.

How to Use This Medicine:

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.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• 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 While Using This Medicine:

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:

• Nausea or diarrhea
• Headache
• Skin sensitive to sunlight
• Skin rash or itching

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.