Glyburide
Glibenclamide
Also known as: DiaBeta · Micronase · Glynase PresTab · Glibenclamide · Glibenclamidum · Glybenclamide · Glybenzcyclamide · HB-419 · U-26452
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) | 0.625 mg (1/2 of a 1.25 mg tablet) | PO | once daily | — | 🌎 NA |
| Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) | 2.5 mg (total dose) | PO | twice a day | — | 🌎 NA |
- Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM): Initial dose
- Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM): If cat is generally well, weight loss is mild, is not ketoacidotic, and does not have peripheral neuropathy
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Glyburide (also known as glibenclamide) is a second-generation sulfonylurea oral antidiabetic agent.
In veterinary medicine, it is primarily used as an alternative oral treatment for non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) in cats.
Key clinical points:
- Alternative to Glipizide: It is typically considered when glipizide is unavailable or when a once-daily dosing regimen is strongly preferred by the owner.
- Insulin is Superior: While oral hypoglycemics can be trialed, insulin therapy remains the gold standard and is generally preferred for feline diabetes.
- Efficacy: Glyburide may not be effective in cats demonstrating significant insulin resistance or those with depleted pancreatic beta-cell function.
Mechanism of action
Glyburide lowers blood glucose concentrations by stimulating the secretion of endogenous insulin from functional pancreatic beta cells.
Mechanism of Action:
- Binds to sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) subunits on ATP-sensitive potassium channels (K-ATP) in the pancreatic beta-cell membrane.
- K-ATP channel closure → cell membrane depolarization.
- Depolarization triggers the opening of voltage-dependent calcium channels → Calcium influx.
- Increased intracellular calcium promotes the exocytosis of insulin granules.
Extrapancreatic Effects: With long-term administration, glyburide may also enhance insulin activity at post-receptor sites and reduce basal hepatic glucose production.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Severe burns
- Severe trauma
- Severe infection
- Diabetic coma or other hypoglycemic conditions
- Major surgery
- Ketosis
- Ketoacidosis or other significant acidotic conditions
Adverse effects
- Vomiting
- Hypoglycemia
- Liver toxicity (icterus, increased ALT/SGPT)
- Allergic skin reactions (reported in humans)
- Arthralgia (reported in humans)
- Bone marrow suppression (reported in humans)
- Cholestatic jaundice (reported in humans)
Precautions
Caution: Glyburide should only be used when its potential benefits outweigh its risks in patients with untreated adrenal or pituitary insufficiency; thyroid, renal, or hepatic function impairment; prolonged vomiting; high fever; malnourishment or in a debilitated condition.
- Concurrent Endocrine Disease: Some patients with type II diabetes may have their disease complicated by the production of excessive amounts of cortisol or growth hormone (e.g., hyperadrenocorticism, acromegaly) that may antagonize insulin's effects. These causes should be ruled out before initiating oral antidiabetic therapy.
- Pregnancy: FDA Category C. Animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus. Safety during nursing is unknown.
Drug interactions
A disulfiram-like reaction (anorexia, nausea, vomiting) is possible
May increase plasma levels of glyburide
May potentiate hypoglycemic effect
May displace glyburide from plasma proteins
May potentiate hypoglycemic effect
May reduce efficacy
May reduce hypoglycemic efficacy
May reduce hypoglycemic efficacy
May potentiate hypoglycemic effect
May reduce hypoglycemic efficacy
May reduce hypoglycemic efficacy
May reduce hypoglycemic efficacy
May potentiate hypoglycemic effect
May displace glyburide from plasma proteins
May reduce hypoglycemic efficacy
May reduce hypoglycemic effect
May displace glyburide from plasma proteins
Monitoring
- Physical examination (weekly during first month)
- Body weight (weekly during first month)
- Urine glucose and ketones (weekly during first month)
- Serial blood glucose exams (weekly during first month)
- Clinical signs of adverse effects (vomiting, icterus)
- Liver enzymes (ALT/SGPT) occasionally
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) occasionally
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
Absorption
Appears to be well absorbed, though specific bioavailability data in veterinary species is lacking. Food apparently does not have an effect on the absorptive characteristics.
Distribution
Distributed throughout the body, including into the brain and across the placenta.
Metabolism
Apparently completely metabolized, presumably in the liver.
Elimination
Metabolites are excreted in both the feces and the urine.
Overdose
Emergency Warning: Profound hypoglycemia is the greatest concern after an overdose.
- In humans, severe hypoglycemia has occurred at relatively low dosages.
- Decontamination: Gut emptying protocols should be employed when warranted and if the patient is neurologically stable.
- Treatment: Because its half-life is longer than glipizide, prolonged hypoglycemia may occur. Continuous blood glucose monitoring and treatment with parenteral glucose (IV dextrose) may be required for several days.
- Monitoring: Massive overdoses may also require additional monitoring (blood gases, serum electrolytes) and supportive therapy.
Available products
Formulations
- Micronized oral tablets
Veterinary
- None
Human-labeled
- Glyburide Oral Tablets: 1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, & 5 mg
- Glyburide Micronized Oral Tablets: 1.5 mg, 3 mg, 4.5 mg & 6 mg (Glynase PresTab)
- DiaBeta
- Generic formulations
- Fixed dose combinations of glyburide and metformin are also available
Regulatory status
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇪🇺 EU · 🇬🇧 UK · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Glyburide oral tablets should be stored in well-closed containers at room temperature.
Client information
Your veterinarian has prescribed glyburide to help manage your cat's diabetes. This medication helps your cat's pancreas release more insulin to lower blood sugar.
Important Safety Instructions:
- Strict Schedule: Give this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or double up if a dose is missed.
- Watch for Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): This is a medical emergency. Signs include weakness, wobbliness, lethargy, muscle twitching, staring into space, or seizures. If you see these signs, rub corn syrup or honey on your cat's gums and contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Watch for High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia): If the medication isn't working well enough, you may notice increased thirst, increased urination, or weight loss. Report these to your vet.
- Other Side Effects: Contact your clinic if your cat starts vomiting, loses their appetite, or if you notice a yellowing of their eyes or gums (jaundice).
Keep all follow-up appointments, as your cat will need frequent blood and urine tests, especially during the first month of treatment.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.