Acetohexamide (patient information)
IMPORTANT WARNING
Oral hypoglycemic drugs, including acetohexamide, 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 this medication is prescribed
Acetohexamide is used to treat type II (noninsulin-dependent) diabetes (formerly 'adult-onset'), particularly in people whose diabetes cannot be controlled by diet alone. Acetohexamide lowers blood sugar by stimulating the pancreas to secrete insulin and helping the body use insulin efficiently. The pancreas must produce insulin for this medication to work. Acetohexamide 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 this medication should be used
Acetohexamide comes in tablets to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day before breakfast or twice a day before the morning and evening meals (i.e., breakfast and dinner). Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take acetohexamide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take acetohexamide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking acetohexamide without talking to your doctor.
Special precautions
Before taking acetohexamide:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to acetohexamide 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 kidney, liver, thyroid, or heart disease or a severe infection.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking acetohexamide, call your doctor immediately. Acetohexamide should not be taken by pregnant women.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking acetohexamide.
- plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Acetohexamide may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
Special dietary instructions
Be sure to follow all exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietitian. It is important to eat a healthful diet.
Alcohol may cause a decrease in blood sugar. Ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking acetohexamide.
What to do if you forget a dose
Before you start taking acetohexamide, ask your doctor what to do if you forget to take a dose. Write down these directions so you can refer to them later.
As a general rule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Side Effects
Minor Side Effects
You should know the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and what to do if you have them.
You may experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) while you are taking this medication. Your doctor will tell you what you should do if you develop hypoglycemia. He or she may tell you to check your blood sugar, eat or drink a food or beverage that contains sugar, such as hard candy or fruit juice, or get medical care. Follow these directions carefully if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia:
- shakiness
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- sweating
- nervousness or irritability
- sudden changes in behavior or mood
- headache
- numbness or tingling around the mouth
- weakness
- pale skin
- hunger
- clumsy or jerky movements
Severe Side Effects
If hypoglycemia is not treated, severe symptoms may develop. Be sure that your family, friends, and other people who spend time with you know that if you have any of the following symptoms, they should get medical treatment for you immediately.
- confusion
- seizures
- loss of consciousness
Call your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar):
- extreme thirst
- frequent urination
- extreme hunger
- weakness
- blurred vision
If high blood sugar is not treated, a serious, life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis could develop. Call your doctor immediately if you have any of the these symptoms:
- dry mouth
- upset stomach and vomiting
- shortness of breath
- breath that smells fruity
- decreased consciousness
Acetohexamide may cause side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- skin rash
- itching or redness
- exaggerated sunburn
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- light-colored stools
- dark urine
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- fever
- sore throat
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Storage conditions needed for this medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Other information
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to acetohexamide.
To monitor the effectiveness of acetohexamide, measure the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood or urine (when blood sugar is above a certain high level, you will have sugar in your urine). For these measurements, you will need special paper tapes, tablets, or plastic strips that change color depending on how much sugar is present. You also can use a blood glucose meter to measure the amount of sugar in your blood. Your doctor also may ask you to test your urine for ketones (substances present when diabetes is not under control). Follow your doctor's directions for testing your urine and blood and for recording the results. If your blood sugar is high or if sugar or ketones are present in your urine, call your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Brand names
- Dymelor®