Drug interactions
Ciprofloxacin + Glibenclamide
Severity: Major
Ciprofloxacin and Glibenclamide: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Fluoroquinolones can cause both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia in patients taking sulfonylureas. Severe hypoglycemia, including cases needing hospitalization, has been reported with ciprofloxacin and glyburide, and the risk is higher in older or renally impaired patients. Ciprofloxacin may also modestly raise glyburide exposure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ciprofloxacin and Glibenclamide can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Ciprofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Glibenclamide belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Fluoroquinolone effects on beta-cell insulin release add to sulfonylurea stimulation of insulin secretion, and ciprofloxacin may also reduce glyburide clearance.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose frequently during and after the antibiotic course and teach the patient to recognize hypoglycemia. Reduce the glyburide dose if glucose falls, or choose a non-fluoroquinolone antibiotic.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Ciprofloxacin
- Agomelatine + Ciprofloxacin Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Tizanidine Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Alosetron + Ciprofloxacin Major
Other interactions of Glibenclamide
- Bosentan + Glibenclamide Contraindicated
- Cholic acid + Glibenclamide Major
- Clarithromycin + Glibenclamide Major
- Fluconazole + Glibenclamide Major
- Glibenclamide + Insulin degludec-liraglutide Major
- Glibenclamide + Miconazole Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ciprofloxacin with Glibenclamide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ciprofloxacin and Glibenclamide can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Fluoroquinolones can cause both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia in patients taking sulfonylureas. Severe hypoglycemia, including cases needing hospitalization, has been reported with ciprofloxacin and glyburide, and the risk is higher in older or renally impaired patients. Ciprofloxacin may also modestly raise glyburide exposure.
How serious is the interaction between Ciprofloxacin and Glibenclamide?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood glucose frequently during and after the antibiotic course and teach the patient to recognize hypoglycemia. Reduce the glyburide dose if glucose falls, or choose a non-fluoroquinolone antibiotic.
What other medicines interact with Ciprofloxacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ciprofloxacin with, for example, Agomelatine, Fezolinetant, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Ciprofloxacin page.
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