Acetohexamide Drug (medication) Information

Acetohexamide is used in adjunctive therapy, used with dietary modification, in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type II) for lowering blood glucose level.

How to Take Acetohexamide

Take Acetohexamide exactly as prescribed by health care provider. Acetohexamide is avaliable in form of Tablets 250 mg, Tablets 500 mg.

Dosage Instructions for Acetohexamide Drug

Adults: PO 325 to 650 mg prn q 4 to 6 hr or 1 g 3 to 4 times/day. Do not exceed 4 g/day.
Children: PO 10 to 15 mg/kg dose prn q 4 to 6 hr; do not exceed 5 doses/24 hr.

Contraindications of Acetohexamide

Hypersensitivity to sulfonylureas; diabetes complicated by ketoacidosis; sole therapy of insulin-dependent (type I) diabetes mellitus; diabetes complicated by pregnancy.
Interactions of Acetohexamide with other drugs

Androgens, chloramphenicol, clofibrate, fenfluramine, H 2 antagonists, MAOIs, phenylbutazone, probenecid, salicylates, sulfonamides: Hypoglycemic effect may be increased.
Diazoxide, rifampin, thiazide diuretics: Hypoglycemic effect of acetohexamide may be decreased.

What are the Side Effects of Acetohexamide -

Like other medicines, Acetohexamide can cause side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Acetohexamide include

* Possible increased risk of cardiovascular mortality as compared with treatment with diet alone.
* Dizziness; vertigo.
* Allergic skin reactions; eczema; pruritus; erythema; urticaria; morbilliform or maculopapular eruptions, lichenoid reactions; photosensitivity.
* Nausea; epigastric fullness; heartburn; cholestatic jaundice (rare, discontinue drug if this occurs).
* Mild diuresis.
* Leukopenia; thrombocytopenia; aplastic anemia; agranulocytosis; hemolytic anemia; pancytopenia.
* Disulfiram-like reaction; weakness; paresthesia, fatigue; malaise.

Warnings and precautions before taking Acetohexamide :

* Assess current blood glucose levels. Observe patient for signs of hyperglycemia (eg, frequent urination, thirst, weakness, weight loss, ketoacidosis) and hypoglycemia (eg, tingling of lips and tongue, nausea, diminished cerebral function [eg, lethargy, confusion], tachycardia, sweating, convulsions, coma). Have oral glucose or carbohydrates and IV glucose available.
* Monitor effectiveness of diabetes control through individualized treatment plan, including diet, daily blood glucose levels, medication, and exercise.
* The safety and efficay of Acetohexamide medicine have not been studied in children and adolescents.
* Instruct patient to call health care provider if any of the following symptoms occur: nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, rash, itching, weakness, unusual bruising, bleeding.
* Caution patient to avoid exposure to sunlight, and to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing to avoid photosensitivity reaction.
* Advise women to inform health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Acetohexamide. Insulin is recommended to maintain blood glucose levels during pregnancy. Prolonged severe neonatal hypoglycemia can occur if sulfonylureas are administered at time of delivery.

What if Overdose of Acetohexamide ?

If you think you or anyone else taken overdose of Acetohexamide , immediately telephone your doctor or contact your local or regional Poisons Information Centre Seek medical attention immediately. You may need urgent medical attention. Hypoglycemia, mild hypoglycemia without loss of consciousness and no neurologic findings, severe hypoglycemic reactions may be a sign of overdose of Acetohexamide.

What if Missed Dose of Acetohexamide ?

If you miss a dose of Acetohexamide medicine and you remember within an hour or so, take the dose immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage Conditions for Acetohexamide :

Store tablets and powder for injection at ambient room temperature (59° to 86°F). Store Acetohexamide reconstituted injectable solution in refrigerator (36° to 46°F) for up to 3 days or use within 12 hr of reconstitution if stored at room temperature (59° to 86°F).

By: ashu