Chlorpropamide
Key points
- Oral hypoglycemic drugs, including chlorpropamide, have been associated with increased cardiovascular mortality.
- Chlorpropamide is used to treat type II (noninsulin-dependent) diabetes (formerly 'adult-onset'), particularly in people whose diabetes cannot be controlled by diet alone.
- Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
- Be sure to follow all exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietitian.
Chlorpropamide
(klor proe' pa mide)
Other Names:Diabinese
Important Warning
Oral hypoglycemic drugs, including chlorpropamide, have been associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks, benefits, and alternatives of using this drug for your condition.
Why is this medication prescribed?
Chlorpropamide is used to treat type II (noninsulin-dependent) diabetes (formerly 'adult-onset'), particularly in people whose diabetes cannot be controlled by diet alone. Chlorpropamide lowers blood sugar by stimulating the pancreas to secrete insulin and helping the body to use insulin efficiently. The pancreas must produce insulin for this medication to work. Chlorpropamide is not used to treat type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes (formerly 'juvenile-onset').
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Chlorpropamide comes in tablets to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day with breakfast. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take chlorpropramide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take chlorpropramide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking chlorpropramide without talking to your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking chlorpropramide,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to chlorpropramide or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, liver, kidney, thyroid, adrenal, or pituitary disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking chlorpropramide, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking chlorpropramide.
- you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
- tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of chlorpropramide.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
