Drug interactions
Ethanol + Glibenclamide
Severity: Moderate
Ethanol and Glibenclamide: moderate interaction.
Last updated
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
Alcohol increases the risk of hypoglycemia with glyburide, particularly with fasting or heavy intake, and can also impair glycemic control. Disulfiram-like reactions are uncommon but have been reported.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethanol and Glibenclamide can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Alcohol inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis, adding to insulin secretagogue effects of the sulfonylurea; rarely acetaldehyde metabolism is inhibited.
What to do
Advise avoiding alcohol or limiting intake to small amounts taken with food. Educate on hypoglycemia symptoms and monitor glucose.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Glibenclamide
- Bosentan + Glibenclamide Contraindicated
- Cholic acid + Glibenclamide Major
- Ciprofloxacin + Glibenclamide Major
- Clarithromycin + Glibenclamide Major
- Fluconazole + Glibenclamide Major
- Glibenclamide + Insulin degludec-liraglutide Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethanol with Glibenclamide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ethanol and Glibenclamide can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Alcohol increases the risk of hypoglycemia with glyburide, particularly with fasting or heavy intake, and can also impair glycemic control. Disulfiram-like reactions are uncommon but have been reported.
How serious is the interaction between Ethanol and Glibenclamide?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise avoiding alcohol or limiting intake to small amounts taken with food. Educate on hypoglycemia symptoms and monitor glucose.
What other medicines interact with Glibenclamide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Glibenclamide with, for example, Bosentan, Cholic acid, Ciprofloxacin. The full list is on the Glibenclamide page.
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