Drug interactions
Ethanol + Glyburide-metformin
Severity: Major
Ethanol and Glyburide-metformin: 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
Alcohol potentiates metformin's effect on lactate metabolism, increasing lactic acidosis risk, and can cause unpredictable hypoglycemia with glyburide. Rarely a disulfiram-like reaction occurs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethanol and Glyburide-metformin 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.
Why it happens
Ethanol impairs hepatic gluconeogenesis and lactate clearance, adding to metformin effects and sulfonylurea-induced hypoglycemia.
What to do
Advise avoiding excessive or binge alcohol; counsel on hypoglycemia risk and symptoms of lactic acidosis.
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 Glyburide-metformin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethanol with Glyburide-metformin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ethanol and Glyburide-metformin 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. Alcohol potentiates metformin's effect on lactate metabolism, increasing lactic acidosis risk, and can cause unpredictable hypoglycemia with glyburide. Rarely a disulfiram-like reaction occurs.
How serious is the interaction between Ethanol and Glyburide-metformin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise avoiding excessive or binge alcohol; counsel on hypoglycemia risk and symptoms of lactic acidosis.
What other medicines interact with Glyburide-metformin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Glyburide-metformin with, for example, Bosentan, Cholic acid, Clarithromycin. The full list is on the Glyburide-metformin page.
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