glibenclamide
Consumer Medicine Information
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about Daonil. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor, pharmacist or diabetes educator.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking Daonil against the benefits they expect it will have for you.
If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or diabetes educator.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine.
You may need to read it again.
What Daonil is used for
Daonil is used to control blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This type of diabetes is also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM) or maturity onset diabetes.
Daonil is used in conjunction with diet control and exercise to control blood sugar.
Daonil can be used alone, or in combination with insulin or other anti-diabetes medicines.
Daonil lowers high blood glucose by increasing the amount of insulin released by your pancreas.
Daonil belongs to a group of medicines called sulphonylureas.
If your blood glucose is not properly controlled, you may experience hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose) or hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose). High blood glucose can lead to serious problems with your heart, eyes, circulation or kidneys.
Low blood glucose can occur suddenly. Signs may include:
weakness, trembling, shaking
sweating
light headedness, dizziness, headache or lack of concentration
tearfulness, crying or depression
irritability
hunger
numbness around the lips and tongue
restlessness or disturbed sleep
If not treated promptly, these may progress to:
loss of co-ordination
slurred speech
confusion
loss of consciousness or seizures
High blood glucose usually occurs more slowly than low blood glucose. Signs of high blood glucose may include:
lethargy or tiredness
headache
severe thirst
passing large amounts of urine and more often
blurred vision
dry mouth or dry skin
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you.
Your doctor may have prescribed it for another reason.
Daonil is not addictive.
Daonil is available only with a doctor's prescription.
This medicine is not expected to affect your ability to drive a car or operate machinery.
There is not enough information to recommend the use of this medicine for children.
Before you take Daonil
When you must not take it
Do not take Daonil if you have an allergy to:
any medicine containing glibenclamide
any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
any other similar medicines (such as sulphur antibiotics or sulphonylureas).
Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
shortness of breath
wheezing or difficulty breathing
swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body
rash, itching or hives on the skin
Do not take Daonil if you have any of the following conditions:
type 1 diabetes mellitus (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, also known as IDDM, or juvenile or growth onset diabetes)
unstable diabetes
diabetic ketoacidosis
diabetic coma or pre-coma
severe kidney disease
severe liver disease
you are being treated with the medication bosentan
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant.
It may affect your developing baby if you take it during pregnancy.
Insulin is more suitable for controlling blood sugar during pregnancy. Your doctor will replace Daonil with insulin while you are pregnant.
Do not breast-feed if you are taking this medicine.
It is not known if Daonil passes into breast milk. Daonil should not be taken while you are breastfeeding.
Do not give Daonil to children.
Safety and effectiveness in children has not been established.
Do not take this medicine after the expiry date printed on the pack or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.
If you are not sure whether you should start taking this medicine, talk to your doctor.
Before you start to take it
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.
Tell your doctor if you have or have had any of the following medical conditions:
glucose-6-phosphate (G6PD) deficiency
a history of diabetic coma
adrenal, pituitary (or thyroid) problems
heart failure
kidney or liver problems
you drink alcohol in any amount
you do not eat regular meals
you do a lot of exercise or heavy work
you are feeling ill or unwell
you are taking any other antidiabetic treatment
Diet, exercise, alcohol and your general health all strongly affect the control of your diabetes. Discuss these things with your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.
Your doctor can discuss with you the risks and benefits involved.
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell him/her before you start taking Daonil.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including medicines that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines may lead to low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia) by increasing the blood glucose lowering effect of Daonil. These include:
alcohol
some medicines used to treat high blood pressure
some medicines used to treat arthritis, pain and inflammation
(anabolic) steroids
some cholesterol-lowering medicines
other medicines used to treat diabetes
some antibiotics
medicines used to prevent blood clots
disopyramide, a medicine used to treat irregular heart rhythms
some medicines used to treat depression
pentoxifylline (oxpentifylline), a medicine used to treat blood vessel problems
some medicines used to treat cancer
some medicines used to treat gout
cimetidine and ranitidine, medicines used to treat reflux and ulcers
Some medicines may lead to loss of control of your diabetes (resulting in high blood glucose) by weakening the blood glucose-effect of Daonil. These include:
alcohol
some medicines used to treat glaucoma
some medicines used to treat high blood pressure
corticosteroids such as prednisone and cortisone
glucagon, a medicine used to treat low blood glucose
some medicines used to treat tuberculosis
high dose nicotinic acid used for the lowering of blood fats
oestrogens and oral contraceptives
some medicines used to treat mental illness or psychotic disorders
phenytoin, a medicine used to treat epilepsy (convulsions)
cimetidine and ranitidine, medicines used to treat reflux and ulcers
ritodrine, a medicine used to prevent premature labour
diuretics, also known as fluid tablets
some asthma medicines, preparations for coughs and colds and weight reducing medicines
thyroid hormones
large doses of laxatives
indomethacin, a medicine used to treat arthritis (an inflammatory condition)
barbiturates, medicines used for sedation
Some medicines may hide the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). These include:
alcohol
some medicines used to treat high blood pressure
You may need different amounts of your medicine or you may need to take different medicines. Your doctor, pharmacist or diabetes educator can tell you what to do if you are taking any of these medicines. They also have a more complete list of medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking Daonil.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure if you are taking any of these medicines.
How to take Daonil
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor, pharmacist or diabetes educator carefully.
They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
If you do not understand the instructions on the pack, ask your doctor, pharmacist or diabetes educator for help.
How much to take
Your doctor will tell you how many tablets to take each day. Your doctor may increase or decrease the dose depending on your blood glucose levels.
How to take it
Swallow the tablets with a full glass of water.
When to take it
Take your tablet immediately before breakfast. If you only eat a very light breakfast, then this dose should be put off until lunchtime.
Do not skip meals whilst using Daonil. Take your dose at the same time each day.
How long to take it
Continue taking Daonil for as long as your doctor tells you.
This medicine helps to control your diabetes, but will not cure it. Therefore you may have to take it for a long time. It is important to keep taking your medicine even if you feel well. Make sure you have enough Daonil to last over weekends and holidays.
If you forget to take it
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.
Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your medicine as you would normally.
Missed doses can cause high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia).
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.
If you double a dose this may cause low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia).
If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor, pharmacist or diabetes educator.
If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.
If you take too much (overdose)
Immediately telephone your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26) for advice, or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital, if you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much Daonil. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
If you take too much Daonil you may experience symptoms of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
If not treated quickly, these symptoms may progress to loss of co-ordination, slurred speech, confusion, loss of consciousness and the occurrence of fits.
At the first signs of hypoglycaemia, raise your blood glucose quickly by taking jelly beans, sugar or honey, soft drink (non-diet) or glucose tablets.
If you experience any of the symptoms of an overdose, immediately get medical help.
While you are using Daonil
Things you must do
If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking Daonil.
Tell any other doctors, dentists, and pharmacists who treat you that you are taking this medicine.
If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon or anaesthetist that you are taking this medicine.
It may affect other medicines used during surgery.
If you become pregnant while taking Daonil, tell your doctor immediately.
Make sure you, your friends, family and work colleagues can recognise the symptoms of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia and know how to treat them.
If you experience any of the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), you need to raise your blood glucose urgently. You can do this by taking one of the following:
5 - 7 jelly beans
3 teaspoons of sugar or honey
1/2 can of ordinary (non-diet) soft drink
2-3 concentrated glucose tablets
Unless you are within 10 to 15 minutes of your next meal or snack, follow up with extra carbohydrates eg. plain biscuits, fruit or milk - when over the initial symptoms. Taking this extra carbohydrate will prevent a second drop in your blood glucose level.
If you are elderly or are taking other medicines for diabetes such as
insulin or metformin, the risk of hypoglycaemia is increased.
The risk of hypoglycaemia is also increased in the following situations:
too much Daonil
too much or unexpected exercise
delayed meal or snack
too little food
If you experience any of the signs of high blood glucose (hyperglycaemia), contact your doctor immediately.
The risk of hyperglycaemia is increased in the following situations:
undiagnosed or uncontrolled diabetes
illness, infection or stress
too little Daonil
certain other medicines
too little exercise
eating more carbohydrates than normal
If you become ill or experience extra stress, injury, fever, infection or need surgery, tell your doctor.
Your blood glucose may become difficult to control at these times. Your doctor may decide to change your treatment and use insulin instead of Daonil.
Make sure you check your blood glucose levels regularly. This is the best way to tell if your diabetes is being controlled properly. Your doctor or diabetes educator will show you how and when to do this.
Visit your doctor for regular checks of your eyes, feet, kidneys, heart, circulation, blood and blood pressure.
Carefully follow your doctor's and your dietician's advice on diet, drinking alcohol and exercise.
If you drink alcohol while taking Daonil, you may get flushing, headache, breathing difficulties, rapid heart beat, stomach pains or feel sick and vomit.
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice the return of any symptoms you had before starting Daonil.
These may include lethargy or tiredness, headache, thirst, passing large amounts of urine and blurred vision.
These may be signs that Daonil is no longer working effectively, even though you may have been taking it successfully for some time.
Things you must not do
Do not take Daonil to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
Do not stop taking your medicine or lower the dosage without checking with your doctor.
Do not skip meals while taking Daonil.
Things to be careful of
Protect your skin when you are in the sun, especially between 10am and 3pm.
Daonil may cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight than it is normally. Exposure to sunlight may cause a skin rash, itching, redness or severe sunburn.
If outdoors, wear protective clothing and use a highly effective sunscreen. If you experience sunburn, tell your doctor immediately.
If you have to be alert, for example when driving, be especially careful not to let your blood glucose levels fall too low.
Low blood glucose levels may slow your reaction time and affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Drinking alcohol can make this worse. However, Daonil by itself is unlikely to affect how you drive or operate machinery.
If you are travelling, it is a good idea to:
wear some form of identification showing you have diabetes
carry some form of sugar to treat hypoglycaemia if it occurs eg. sugar sachets or jelly beans
carry emergency food rations in case of a delay eg. dried fruit, biscuits or muesli bars
keep some Daonil readily available
If you become sick with a cold, fever or flu, it is very important to continue taking Daonil. If you have trouble eating solid food, use sugar-sweetened drinks as a carbohydrate substitute or eat small amounts of bland food.
Your diabetes educator or dietician can give you a list of foods to use for sick days.
Side effects
Tell your doctor, or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Daonil.
All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical attention if you get some of the side effects.
If you are over 65 years of age you may have an increased chance of getting side effects.
Do not be alarmed by the following lists of side effects. You may not experience any of them.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
The following possible side effect lists are placed in order of increasing urgency of the behaviour required.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
signs of hypoglycaemia which may include weakness, trembling or shaking, sweating, light headedness, headache, dizziness, lack of concentration, tearfulness or crying, irritability, hunger and numbness around the lips and fingers
stomach upset including nausea (feeling sick), vomiting, heartburn, indigestion, cramps
diarrhoea, constipation or a feeling of fullness in the stomach
loss of appetite
headache
weakness
eye problems including blurred or double vision
unusual weight gain
The above list includes the more common side effects of your medicine. They are usually mild and short-lived.
Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:
deafness
severe pain or tenderness in the stomach
sudden onset of abnormal thoughts or delusions
rash, sores, redness or itching of the skin, itchy hives-like rash or spots
symptoms of sunburn such as redness, itching, swelling or blistering which may occur more quickly than normal
bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, reddish or purplish blotches under the skin
symptoms of lactic acidosis (too much acid in the blood) which may include loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, trouble breathing, feeling weak, tired or uncomfortable, unusual muscle pain, slow heart beat
yellowing of the skin or eyes, also called jaundice
signs of frequent or worrying infections such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers
signs of anaemia such as tiredness, being short of breath and looking pale
a change in colour or amount of urine passed, blood in the urine
The above list includes serious side effects that may require medical attention. Serious side effects are rare.
If any of the following happen, tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital:
blindness
convulsions or fits
swelling of the face, lips or tongue which may cause difficulty in breathing
The above list includes very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. These side effects are very rare.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some people.
After using Daonil
Storage
Keep your tablets in the pack until it is time to take them.
If you take the tablets out of the pack they may not keep as well.
Keep your tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
Do not store Daonil or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it on a window sill or in the car.
Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.
Keep it where children cannot reach it.
A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Disposal
If your doctor tells you to stop taking this medicine or the expiry date has passed, ask your pharmacist what to do with any medicine that is left over.
Product description
What it looks like
Daonil 5 mg tablets are white, biplane oblong tablets with a score-line on both sides. LDI is engraved each side of the score-line and inverted. The other side is plain.
Ingredients
Daonil contains 5 mg of glibenclamide as the active ingredient.
Inactive ingredients:
lactose monohydrate
maize starch
pre-gelatinised maize starch
purified talc
colloidal anhydrous silica
magnesium stearate
This medicine does not contain sucrose, tartrazine or any other azo dyes.
