Drug Notes

Chlorpropamide (By mouth)

Chlorpropamide (klor-PROE-pa-mide)

Treats diabetes mellitus. Belongs to a class of drugs called sulfonylureas.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
• You may take your medicine with food or milk to avoid stomach upset.

If a dose is missed:

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• While using this medicine, avoid using aspirin unless approved by your doctor.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking this medicine.
• Chlorpropamide interacts with many medicines. Before you start taking chlorpropamide, make sure your doctor knows of all other medicines you are taking.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Talk with your doctor before taking if you have liver, kidney, or heart disease, G-6-PD deficiency, or have an adrenal or pituitary gland disorder.
• To control your diabetes, follow the diet that your doctor ordered and take this medicine on a regular schedule.
• You may have low blood sugar while you are taking chlorpropamide, especially if you miss a meal, exercise for a long time, or drink alcohol. Symptoms of low blood sugar include sweating, shakiness, weakness, trouble concentrating, drowsiness, feeling very hungry, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, confusion, or a headache that won't go away.
• Ask your doctor what you should do in case you have low blood sugar. You will need to control it quickly.
• Tell your doctor or dentist you are taking chlorpropamide before you have any kind of surgery.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when outdoors. Avoid sunlamps or tanning beds.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Unexplained fever, chills, or sore throat
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Yellowing of skin or eyes
• Dark urine, light bowel movements
• Swelling of feet or legs
• Severe tiredness or confusion

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Nausea or diarrhea
• Headache
• Skin sensitive to sunlight
• Skin rash or itching

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017