Drug interactions
Glyburide + Opuntia ficus indica
Severity: Moderate
Glyburide and Opuntia ficus indica: 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
Prickly pear has reported glucose-lowering activity and may add to the effect of glyburide. This could increase the risk of hypoglycemia, although supporting data are limited.
What this interaction means in plain words
Glyburide and Opuntia ficus indica 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
Additive glucose-lowering effect, possibly from fiber and pectin content slowing absorption and from other antihyperglycemic actions.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose if the patient uses prickly pear products and teach hypoglycemia recognition. Reduce the glyburide dose if needed.
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 Glyburide
- Bosentan + Glyburide Contraindicated
- Cholic acid + Glyburide Major
- Ciprofloxacin + Glyburide Major
- Clarithromycin + Glyburide Major
- Fluconazole + Glyburide Major
- Glyburide + Insulin degludec-liraglutide Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Glyburide with Opuntia ficus indica?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Glyburide and Opuntia ficus indica 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. Prickly pear has reported glucose-lowering activity and may add to the effect of glyburide. This could increase the risk of hypoglycemia, although supporting data are limited.
How serious is the interaction between Glyburide and Opuntia ficus indica?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood glucose if the patient uses prickly pear products and teach hypoglycemia recognition. Reduce the glyburide dose if needed.
What other medicines interact with Glyburide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Glyburide with, for example, Bosentan, Cholic acid, Ciprofloxacin. The full list is on the Glyburide page.
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