Drug class · Endocrine
Sulfonylureas
Also known as: sulphonylureas
Sulfonylureas are tablets for type 2 diabetes that prompt the pancreas to make more insulin. Low blood sugar (a hypo) is one of their most common side effects, and some people gain weight. NHS diabetes guidance says to call 999 if a person with a hypo is unconscious, does not regain consciousness or has a seizure.
- Biological target
- Insulin release from the pancreas
- Also called
- sulphonylureas
Mechanism of action
Sulfonylureas work by prompting the pancreas to release more insulin, which lowers blood glucose. Diabetes UK says low blood sugar is one of the most common side effects.
Members of the class
Members with a page on this site are linked.
Conditions treated
Class effects
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), which Diabetes UK calls one of the most common side effects
- Weight gain: Diabetes UK says some people gain weight while taking a sulphonylurea
- Stomach upset such as tummy ache, sickness and diarrhoea
- Rarer effects include liver damage and low blood cell counts, according to Diabetes UK
Cautions
- A hypo that leaves a person unconscious, not regaining consciousness or having a seizure is a 999 emergency, according to NHS diabetes guidance; the NHS says to call a doctor or NHS 111 if sugary food or drink does not help or hypo symptoms return
- Driving: Diabetes UK says sulphonylureas can increase the risk of hypos while driving; DVLA guidance says severe hypoglycaemia while driving means stopping driving and notifying the DVLA
- NICE lists a sulfonylurea among options to add when further treatment is needed in type 2 diabetes, and describes sulfonylureas as possibly increasing hypoglycaemic events and weight gain
- The NHS says gliclazide is not usually used in pregnancy and lists severe kidney or liver disease among the reasons it may not be suitable
Class interactions
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Connected pages in detail
What each linked page on Anatomy Nexus covers, in a line, for Sulfonylureas.
Conditions
- Type 2 diabetes A metabolic disease in which the body's cells respond poorly to insulin (insulin resistance) and the pancreas gradually fails to compensate.
Medications
- Gliclazide Gliclazide is a sulfonylurea tablet prescribed for type 2 diabetes that prompts the pancreas to make more insulin.
Educational content. A drug class page describes what a family of medicines has in common. Individual medicines differ in dose, licensing and interactions; treatment choices belong to a prescriber.