Chlorpropamide (Diabinese, Insulase)

Chlorpropamide is an antidiabetic medication, used along with diet, exercise, and sometimes other medications, to control type 2 diabetes. This medication was approved by the FDA and has been in use since 1958. The drug works only for patients whose bodies are capable of producing their own insulin. It is not effective for treating type 1 diabetes.

Chlorpropamide overview

Brand names: Diabinese, Insulase

Drug class: Chlorpropamide belongs to the sulfonylurea class of drugs. Sulfonylureas lower blood sugar by prompting the pancreas to produce more insulin while also helping the body use the insulin more effectively. Other medications in this class include glyburide, glipizide and glimepiride.

Dosage: Chlorpropamide is an oral tablet taken usually once a day with breakfast. Two smaller doses are possible if a larger dose is not well-tolerated. Since patients can build up a tolerance to chlorpropamide, the dose might need to be adjusted after some time on the medication.

Side effects: Diabinese may cause nausea, dizziness and headache. Loss of appetite, nausea and diarrhea are possible common side effects associated with Insulase. Frequent blood sugar testing is recommended to help prevent hypoglycemia, another possible side effect of chlorpropamide.