Sulfonylureas

Question 1

Short acting sulfonylureas

Answer 1

Gliclazide
Glipizide
Tolbutamide

Question 2

Long acting Sulfonylureas

Answer 2

Glibenclamide
Glimepiride

Question 3

Mechanism of action of sulfonylureas

Answer 3

Increased insulin secretion and therefore are only effective if there is any residual beta cell pancreatic activity

Question 4

Side effects of sulfoylureas

Answer 4

Hypoglycemia(more frequent with long acting)
Abdominal pain
Diarrhoea

Question 5

CI and cautions of sulfonylureas

Answer 5

CI- Ketoacidosis
C- Weight gain, elderly, G6PD deficiency

Question 6

Sulfonylureas and renal impairment

Answer 6

Use with caution in mild-severe impairment. Use at lowest effective dose and avoid if possible in severe

Question 7

Sulfonylureas in the elderly

Answer 7

May be unsuitable (especially long acting) due to the risk of persistent hypoglycaemia