Antidiabetic (Sulfonylurea)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Glibenclamide is a diabetes medicine that works by pushing your pancreas to produce more insulin, which helps lower the sugar level in your blood.
Binds to ATP-sensitive potassium channels on pancreatic beta cells, closing these channels and depolarizing the cell membrane to stimulate insulin secretion. This increases circulating insulin levels, enhancing glucose uptake by peripheral tissues and lowering blood glucose concentration.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
The usual starting dose is 2.5 mg (half of a 5 mg tablet) taken once daily with breakfast. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose up to 15 mg per day depending on how well your blood sugar is controlled. Always take it with or just before a meal to reduce the chance of your blood sugar dropping too low. Common Nigerian brands include Daonil, Glanil 5 mg, Hypo G 5 mg, and Mecure's Glibenclamide.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — but only if you are about to eat a meal. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take a double dose to make up for it, as this can cause your blood sugar to drop dangerously low.
Always eat regular meals while taking this drug — skipping meals can cause your blood sugar to drop dangerously low. Buy only from licensed pharmacies and look for trusted brands like Daonil, Glanil, or Hypo G — avoid buying diabetes drugs from roadside vendors or unregistered sellers. Keep a small sugary drink or glucose sweet nearby in case you feel shaky or dizzy, as this could mean your blood sugar is too low.
Alcohol can make your blood sugar drop dangerously low when combined with glibenclamide, so avoid or seriously limit drinking. Some antibiotics like fluconazole (used for infections) and anti-malaria drugs can increase the effect of glibenclamide, making low blood sugar more likely. NSAIDs like ibuprofen (common painkillers in Nigeria) can also increase the blood sugar lowering effect.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Glibenclamide with your other drugs?
Glibenclamide is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding — if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor immediately as they will likely switch you to insulin.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in your car or near windows. Keep the tablets in their original pack and always store out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
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