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Oral diabetes medications that can cause low blood sugar

The following sulfonylurea medications for diabetes can cause low blood sugar as a side effect.

  • Glipizide (Glucotrol)
  • Glyburide (such as DiaBeta, Glynase, Micronase)
  • Glimepiride (Amaryl)

Repaglinide (Prandin) and nateglinide (Starlix) are not sulfonylurea medications. However, they work in the same way and can also cause low blood sugar as a side effect.

You are unlikely to develop low blood sugar levels if you are taking:

  • Metformin (Glucophage).
  • Rosiglitazone (Avandia).
  • Pioglitazone (Actos).
Author Merrill Hayden
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Michele Cronen
Primary Medical Reviewer Caroline S. Rhoads, MD
- Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Matthew I. Kim, MD
- Endocrinology & Metabolism
Last Updated July 11, 2006

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: July 11, 2006
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