Chlorpropamide

Health and Nutrition > Medicines > C



How does it work?

In patients with diabetes mellitus, there is a deficiency or absence of a hormone manufactured by the pancreas called insulin. Insulin is the main hormone responsible for the control of sugar in the blood. Chlorpropamide is an antidiabetic medication which is used in those patients with maturity onset or non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM). It works by lowering blood sugar levels by stimulating the production and release of insulin from the pancreas. It also promotes the movement of sugar from the blood into the cells in the body which need it. These two mechanisms in conjunction with a diet low in sugar and fat allows diabetics to control their blood sugar levels more effectively.

What is it used for?

- Diabetes

Warning!

- Do not drink alcohol whilst taking this medicine.
- Blood sugar levels should be checked regularly when taking this medicine.

Use with caution in

- Elderly people
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Low blood sugar levels

Not to be used in

- Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine should not normally be used during pregnancy. Diabetes mellitus is usually controlled using insulin during pregnancy, because this provides a more stable control of blood sugar. If you get pregnant while taking this medicine, or are planning a pregnancy, you should seek medical advice from your doctor.
- Significant amounts of this medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Discuss this with your doctor.

Label warnings

- Avoid alcoholic drink whilst taking this medication.