What is Acetohexamide Used For? Acetohexamide is used in the treatment of diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, circulation problems, and blindness.
How To Use Acetohexamide
May be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Take Acetohexamide at the same time(s) each day in order to maintain a constant blood level. Monitor blood glucose levels daily while taking Acetohexamide. Acetohexamide must be used along with a proper diet and an exercise program.
Acetohexamide Side Effects
Headache, stomach upset, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your doctor if you develop: itchy skin, dark urine, fever, sore throat, swelling of the hands or feet, unusual bleeding or bruising. Acetohexamide can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). The symptoms include chills, cold sweat, shaking, rapid heart rate, weakness, headache, fainting. If you experience these symptoms, eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, orange juice, honey, non-diet soda. Tell your doctor about the reaction. To help prevent hypoglycemia, eat meals on a regular schedule and do not skip meals. Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, contact your doctor. Acetohexamide can increase sensitivity to sunlight. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to Acetohexamide, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Acetohexamide Precautions
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, any allergies. Avoid alcohol while taking Acetohexamide. It can cause facial flushing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness or stomach pain. Acetohexamide may make you prone to sunburn. Wear protective clothing and a sunscreen if needed. Caution is advised when using Acetohexamide in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of Acetohexamide. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Insulin therapy may be necessary during pregnancy. Certain oral antidiabetic medications are excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Acetohexamide Drug Interactions
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially if you are using: blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol, timolol), certain water pills (diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), glaucoma eye medicines, aspirin-like drugs, probenecid. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Acetohexamide Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include shakiness, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, hunger, or sweating.
Missed Acetohexamide Dose
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Acetohexamide Storage
Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
