Micronase (glyburide) is a second-generation sulfonylurea oral antidiabetic medication designed to help manage type 2 diabetes mellitus. It works by stimulating insulin release from the pancreatic beta cells and increasing tissue sensitivity to insulin, thereby helping to lower blood glucose levels. Proper use under medical supervision can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications while supporting long-term metabolic health. This medication is typically prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diet, exercise, and regular glucose monitoring.

Features

• Active ingredient: Glyburide (1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, or 5 mg tablets)
• Drug class: Sulfonylurea
• Administration: Oral
• Onset of action: Within 1 hour
• Duration: Up to 24 hours
• Bioavailability: Approximately 90–100%
• Metabolism: Hepatic
• Excretion: Renal and fecal

Benefits

• Effectively lowers fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels
• Reduces HbA1c, helping to minimize long-term diabetic complications
• Supports pancreatic beta-cell function and enhances peripheral insulin sensitivity
• Convenient once-daily dosing for many patients
• May be used as monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic agents
• Well-established safety and efficacy profile with decades of clinical use

Common use

Micronase is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is not indicated for use in type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. It may be used alone or in combination with other glucose-lowering agents, including metformin or insulin, when glycemic targets are not achieved with monotherapy.

Dosage and direction

The recommended starting dose for Micronase is 1.25–2.5 mg once daily, taken with breakfast or the first main meal. Dosage should be adjusted in increments of no more than 2.5 mg at weekly intervals based on blood glucose response. The maximum recommended daily dose is 20 mg. For patients requiring more than 10 mg daily, the dose should be divided and administered twice daily. Regular blood glucose monitoring is essential to determine the optimal maintenance dose and minimize the risk of hypoglycemia.

Precautions

• Regular self-monitoring of blood glucose is advised, especially during dose adjustments.
• Use with caution in elderly patients, malnourished individuals, and those with adrenal or pituitary insufficiency due to increased hypoglycemia risk.
• Alcohol consumption should be avoided or limited, as it may potentiate hypoglycemic effects.
• Stress, fever, trauma, infection, or surgery may require temporary adjustment of antidiabetic therapy.
• Periodic monitoring of liver and kidney function is recommended during long-term therapy.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to glyburide or any sulfonylurea or sulfonamide-derived drugs
• Type 1 diabetes mellitus
• Diabetic ketoacidosis, with or without coma
• Severe renal or hepatic impairment
• Pregnancy and lactation (use may cause neonatal hypoglycemia)
• Concurrent use of bosentan

Possible side effect

Common side effects may include:

• Hypoglycemia (sweating, tremor, dizziness, hunger, confusion)
• Gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, epigastric fullness, heartburn)
• Allergic skin reactions (rash, urticaria, pruritus)
• Headache

Less common but serious side effects:

• Severe hypoglycemia requiring intervention
• Hematologic effects (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia)
• Hepatic dysfunction (elevated liver enzymes, jaundice)
• Hyponatremia (especially in combination with other medications)
• Disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol

Drug interaction

Micronase may interact with:

• Drugs that increase hypoglycemic risk: Insulin, other sulfonylureas, metformin, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, MAO inhibitors, salicylates, sulfonamides, chloramphenicol, probenecid, warfarin
• Drugs that reduce efficacy: Thiazides, corticosteroids, phenothiazines, thyroid products, estrogens, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, nicotinic acid, sympathomimetics, calcium channel blockers, isoniazid
• Drugs with unpredictable effects: Alcohol, NSAIDs, anticoagulants

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered on the same day. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose include severe hypoglycemia, which may present as sweating, tremor, blurred vision, hunger, and confusion, and can progress to seizures, coma, or death. Management includes immediate glucose administration (oral or intravenous), continuous glucose monitoring, and supportive care. Hospitalization may be required for severe cases.

Storage

Store at room temperature (20–25°C or 68–77°F) in a tightly closed container, away from light, moisture, and heat. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiration date printed on the packaging.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.

Reviews

Clinical studies and patient reports consistently highlight Micronase’s efficacy in achieving glycemic targets, though individual responses may vary. Many users report improved glucose control with once-daily dosing, though some note the need for careful dietary management to avoid hypoglycemia. Physicians often recommend it for its predictable pharmacokinetics and well-understood safety profile.