The use of sulfonylurea antidiabetic agents has been reported, but not proven in all studies, to increase the risk of death from heart and blood vessel disease. Patients with diabetes are already more likely to have these problems if they do not control their blood sugar. Some sulfonylureas, such as glyburide and gliclazide, can have a positive effect on heart and blood vessel disease. It is important to know that problems can occur, but it is also not known if other sulfonylureas, particularly tolbutamide, help to cause these problems. It is known that if blood sugar is not controlled, such problems can occur.
Along with their needing effects, sulfonylureas may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your family doctor immediately if any of the following side effects was happen
Less common
Convulsions - seizures; unconsciousness
Always check with your family doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects was happen
More common
Low blood sugar, including anxious feeling, behavior change similar to being drunk, blurred vision, cold sweats, confusion, cool pale skin, difficulty in concentrating, drowsiness, excessive hunger, fast heartbeat, headache, nausea, nervousness, nightmares, restless sleep, shakiness, slurred speech, unusual tiredness or weakness; unusual weight gain
Less common
Peeling of skin; skin redness, itching, or rash
Rare
Chest pain; chills; coughing up blood; dark urine; fever; fluid-filled skin blisters; general feeling of illness; increased amounts of sputum - phlegm; increased sweating; light-colored stools; pale skin; sensitivity to the sun; shortness of breath; sore throat; thinning of the skin; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness; yellow eyes or skin
More common side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treat as your body adjusts to the drug. However, check with your family doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
More common
Changes in sense of taste; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; increased amount of urine or more frequent urination; heartburn; increased or decreased appetite; passing of gas; stomach pain, fullness, or discomfort; vomiting
Less common or rare
Difficulty in focusing the eyes; increased sensitivity of skin to sun
For diseaseds taking chlorpropamide or tolbutamide:
Depression; swelling or puffiness of face, ankles, or hands
More common side effects not listed above may also occur in some diseaseds. If you notice any other effects, check with your family doctor.