Adverse Effects
Contraindications
Comments
Dyspepsia, loose stools, or
diarrhea.
Can be associated with
the development of
vitamin B12 deficiency
over time.
Small increased risk of
lactic acidosis.
Acute illness, GI or
hepatic disease, renal
dysfunction, CHF,
hypoxic states or
alcohol abuse, Cr
> 1.4 mg/dL (women)
or > 1.5 (men).
Withhold in IV
contrast dye procedure.
The addition of an SU to
metformin is associated with
a greater than 5-fold increase
in likelihood of hypoglycemia
over that seen with metformin
alone or when an SU is
administered in conjunction
with TZDs, a DPP-4 inhibitor,
or nateglinide.
Few adverse events; very
low risk of hypoglycemia.
Reduce dosage in severe renal
insuffiency.
Few adverse events. Well
tolerated. Possible GI
side effects. Low risk of
hypoglycemia. Minimal
drug-drug interactions.
Subcutaneous injection.
Significant risk of
hypoglycemia; often
associated with weight
gain.
The average weight gain
with SU is comparable to
that with TZDs.
SUs contraindicated
in severe liver/
renal disease.
Timing is more important for
glinides.
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