Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: CHLORPROPAMIDE (klor-PROE-pa-mide)
This medicine is a sulfonylurea used to treat type 2 diabetes in patients who cannot control blood sugar levels by diet and exercise alone. It is used along with diet and exercise. It may be used alone or with other antidiabetic medicine.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking beta blockers (eg, propranolol), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril), anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), azole antifungals (eg, miconazole, ketoconazole), chloramphenicol, clofibrate, fenfluramine, insulin, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (eg, phenelzine), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen), phenylbutazone, probenecid, quinolone antibiotics (eg, ciprofloxacin), salicylates (eg, aspirin), sulfonamides (eg, sulfamethoxazole), urinary acidifiers (eg, ammonium chloride), calcium channel blockers (eg, diltiazem), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), decongestants (eg, pseudoephedrine), diazoxide, diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), estrogens, hormonal contraceptives (eg, birth control pills), isoniazid, niacin, phenothiazines (eg, promethazine), phenytoin, rifamycins (eg, rifampin), sympathomimetics (eg, albuterol, epinephrine), thyroid hormones (eg, levothyroxine), gemfibrozil, or barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including very poor health, high fever, severe infection, severe diarrhea, high blood acid levels, recent severe injury, stomach or bowl problems (eg, blockage, paralysis), poor nutrition, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. TELL YOUR DOCTOR if you have a history of liver or kidney problems, thyroid problems, heart problems, certain blood problems (eg, porphyria), certain hormonal problems (eg, adrenal or pituitary problems, syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone [SIADH]), glucose-6-phosphage dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, or low blood sodium levels. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or if you will be having surgery. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have type 1 diabetes; certain severe problems associated with diabetes (eg, diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic coma); severe liver, kidney, thyroid, or endocrine problems; moderate to severe burns; or very high blood acid levels (acidosis). USE OF THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN is not recommended. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of giving this medicine to your child. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine with breakfast or your first main meal unless otherwise directed by your doctor. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C), away from heat, moisture, and light. This medicine works best if it is taken at the same time each day. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to another sulfonamide medicine (eg, sulfamethoxazole), contact your doctor before taking this medicine. If you have a question about whether a certain medicine is a sulfonamide, contact your doctor or pharmacist. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE without checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL while you are taking this medicine. It may increase the risk of low blood sugar. Rarely, alcohol may interact with this medicine and cause a serious reaction with symptoms such as flushing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or stomach pain. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor. RISK OF LOW BLOOD SUGAR may be increased by severe or prolonged exercise, drinking alcohol, or skipping meals. IT MAY BE HARDER TO CONTROL YOUR BLOOD SUGAR during times of stress such as fever, infection, injury, or surgery. Talk with your doctor about how to control your blood sugar if any of these occur. Do not change the dose of your medicine without checking with your doctor. DROWSINESS, DIZZINESS, BLURRED VISION, OR LIGHTHEADEDNESS may occur while you are taking this medicine. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE IS A SULFONYLUREA. It may increase the risk of death from heart disease. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of this or other therapies to treat your condition. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun or sunlamps until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine, especially low blood sugar levels and low blood sodium levels. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine should not be used for at least 1 month before the expected delivery date because it may cause low blood sugar in the baby. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include dizziness, headache, or nausea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience confusion; dark urine; fainting; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; irregular heartbeat; severe or persistent blurred vision or other vision problems; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; or yellowing of the skin or eyes. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE HYPOGLYCEMIA (low blood sugar). Signs of hypoglycemia include increased heartbeat, headache, chills, sweating, tremor, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you do not have a reliable source of glucose available, eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda to quickly raise your blood sugar level. TELL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY about the reaction. To prevent hypoglycemia, eat meals on a regular schedule and do not skip meals. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include coma, confusion, fainting, fast heartbeat, lethargy, lightheadedness, seizures, severe dizziness or drowsiness, tremor, or unusual sweating.
This medicine is not a substitute for proper diet and regular exercise. It is recommended you attend a diabetes education program to better understand diabetes, prevention of complications, and all the important aspects of its treatment. These include meals/diet, exercise, weight loss, personal hygiene, medicine and blood glucose monitoring, and the need for regular eye, foot, and medical exams. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Carry an identification card at all times that says you are diabetic. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly according to your doctor's directions. If your blood sugar level is often higher or lower than it should be and you are taking this medicine according to directions, check with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.