NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Glyburide

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Glyburide (also known as glibenclamide) is a second-generation sulfonylurea used for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. It is one of the more potent sulfonylureas and carries a higher risk of hypoglycemia compared to glipizide and glimepiride, particularly in elderly patients and those with renal impairment.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 2008–2025
Interactions
0
Category
Prescription
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Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Glyburide (also known as glibenclamide) is a second-generation sulfonylurea used for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 1.25–20 mg daily in single or divided doses (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Lowers HbA1c by 1.0–2.0%
  • Potent insulin secretagogue effect7,3
  • Low cost and wide availability
  • Effective in patients with residual beta cell function
What to watch for
  • Hypoglycemia (higher risk than other sulfonylureas)
  • Weight gain
  • Nausea and epigastric fullness
  • Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis2,3
  • Known hypersensitivity to glyburide or sulfonamides1,2

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: lowers hba1c by 1.0–2.0%, potent insulin secretagogue effect, low cost and wide availability. 10 sources indexed (2008–2025), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Binds to sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) on pancreatic beta cells, blocking ATP-sensitive potassium channels. This causes membrane depolarization, opening of voltage-gated calcium channels, and subsequent insulin secretion. Glyburide also has extrapancreatic effects, including enhanced peripheral glucose utilization and reduced hepatic glucose output.

Class
Sulfonylurea
Absorption
Water-soluble; take with food
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
1.25–20 mg daily in single or divided doses (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Tablet; micronized formulation (Glynase) has improved bioavailability

Take with breakfast or the first main meal. Micronized tablets are not bioequivalent to conventional tablets.

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Hypoglycemia (higher risk than other sulfonylureas)
  • Weight gain
  • Nausea and epigastric fullness
  • Heartburn
  • Skin rash or pruritus
  • Hyponatremia (rare)

Contraindications

  • Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis2,3
  • Known hypersensitivity to glyburide or sulfonamides1,2
  • Severe hepatic or renal impairment
  • Elderly patients (increased hypoglycemia risk; glipizide or glimepiride preferred)7
  • Concurrent use of bosentan
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

4

Randomized controlled trials

1

Reference material

5
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Glyburide, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Glyburide?

Glyburide (also known as glibenclamide) is a second-generation sulfonylurea used for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. It is one of the more potent sulfonylureas and carries a higher risk of hypoglycemia compared to glipizide and glimepiride, particularly in elderly patients and those with renal impairment.

What is Glyburide used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Glyburide include: Lowers HbA1c by 1.0–2.0%; Potent insulin secretagogue effect; Low cost and wide availability; Effective in patients with residual beta cell function. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Glyburide?

A typical adult dose of Glyburide is 1.25–20 mg daily in single or divided doses (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Tablet; micronized formulation (Glynase) has improved bioavailability. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Glyburide?

Reported side effects include hypoglycemia (higher risk than other sulfonylureas), weight gain, nausea and epigastric fullness, heartburn, skin rash or pruritus, hyponatremia (rare). This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Glyburide?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Glyburide in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.