Definition

Noun: A sulfonylurea is a class of antidiabetic drugs. These drugs work by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin, which helps lower the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. They are used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Usage

Sulfonylureas are prescribed oral medications for managing blood sugar. They are typically taken once or twice daily, often before meals. - The doctor added a sulfonylurea to her treatment regimen to better control her blood glucose. - Common side effects of sulfonylurea drugs include hypoglycemia and weight gain.

Advanced Usage

• Second-generation sulfonylureas: Refers to newer drugs in this class (e.g., glipizide, glyburide, glimepiride) which are generally more potent and have fewer drug interactions than first-generation ones.
  • Second-generation sulfonylureas are now more commonly prescribed.

Variants and Related Words

• Sulfonylurea agent: Another term for a sulfonylurea drug.
• Sulfonylurea receptor: A specific component in pancreatic beta cells that these drugs bind to in order to stimulate insulin secretion.

Synonyms

• Oral hypoglycemic agent (a broader category that includes sulfonylureas)
• Antidiabetic drug

Related Phrases

• Sulfonylurea therapy: The use of sulfonylurea drugs as a treatment.
  • The patient was started on sulfonylurea therapy.

Noun

1. antidiabetic consisting of any of several drugs that reduce the level of glucose in the blood; used to treat diabetes mellitus