evaluated by their physicians when the patients are also taking propranolol,
oxytetracycline, or coumarin-type anticoagulants.
10-21. DOSING INFORMATION
A person who is taking an oral hypoglycemic agent should maintain a diet
suggested by the attending physician. Specifically, the patient should avoid "cheating"
(eating too much food, eating sweets, etc.). Such "cheating" can interfere with the
effectiveness of the treatment approach.
10-22. SPECIFIC ORAL HYPOGLYCEMIC AGENTS
a. Acetohexamide (Dymelor). Acetohexamide is an oral hypoglycemic agent.
Typically, the patient is given 250 milligrams a day initially and the dosage is gradually
increased until the diabetes is controlled. Side effects associated with this agent
include drowsiness, photosensitivity reactions, gastrointestinal upset, muscle cramps,
and diarrhea. Patients taking this drug should be cautioned not to consume alcohol or
to take other medications without the knowledge of the attending physician.
b. Chlorpropamide (Diabinese). Chlorpropamide is an oral hypoglycemic
agent that is sometimes used in other patients because of its antidiuretic effect. As with
acetohexamide, the initial dosage of this drug (100 to 250 milligrams) is gradually
increased until the desired effects are achieved. Side effects associated with this agent
include drowsiness, gastrointestinal upset, muscle cramps, and water retention
(antidiuretic effect). Patients taking this product should be cautioned not to consume
alcohol or to take other medications without the knowledge of the attending physician.
c. Tolazamide (Tolinase). Tolazamide is used as an oral hypoglycemic
agent. Side effects associated with tolazamide include drowsiness, muscle cramps,
and diarrhea. Patients taking this drug should be cautioned not to consume alcohol or
to take other medications without the knowledge of the attending physician.
d. Tolbutamide (Orinase). Tolbutamide is used as an oral hypoglycemic
agent. Side effects associated with tolbutamide include drowsiness, muscle cramps,
and diarrhea. Patients taking tolbutamide should be cautioned not to consume alcohol
or to take other medications without the knowledge of the attending physician.
MD0807
10-11