Glyburide with Phenelzine Interaction Details


Brand Names Associated with Glyburide

  • DiaBeta®
  • Glyburide
  • Glynase®
  • Micronase®

Brand Names Associated with Phenelzine

  • Nardil®
  • Phenelzine

Medical Content Editor
Last updated Nov 21, 2023


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Interaction Effect

An increased risk of hypoglycemia


Interaction Summary

The glucose lowering effects of hypoglycemic agents may be increased with concomitant use of some MAOIs. MAOIs may cause hyperinsulinemia in patients with type 2 diabetes who have a retained capacity to secrete insulin . Closely monitor blood glucose levels when an MAOI is added or discontinued in a patient receiving a hypoglycemic agent. Lower doses of insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents may be necessary  or discontinuation of one of the interacting agents may be required .


Severity

Moderate


Onset

Rapid


Evidence

Probable


How To Manage Interaction

The glucose lowering effects of hypoglycemic agents may be increased with concomitant use of some MAOIs, increasing the susceptibility to or intensity of hypoglycemia. Closely monitor blood glucose levels when an MAOI is added or discontinued in a patient receiving hypoglycemics. Lower doses of insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents may be necessary , or discontinuation of one of the interacting agents may be required .


Mechanism Of Interaction

Unknown


Literature Reports

A) MAOI drugs may enhance the hypoglycemic effects of hypoglycemic drugs. The proposed mechanism was interference of MAOI drugs with homeostatic adrenergic response to hypoglycemia , but this mechanism was not confirmed . MAOIs appear to cause hyperinsulinemia .

B) Treatment with selegiline (a specific MAO-B inhibitor) produced profound hypoglycemia in a 70-year old man with Parkinson's disease. The hypoglycemia was accompanied by hyperinsulinemia and persisted for one week after selegiline was discontinued .

Glyburide Overview

  • Glyburide is used along with diet and exercise, and sometimes with other medications, to treat type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). Glyburide is in a class of medications called sulfonylureas. Glyburide lowers blood sugar by causing the pancreas to produce insulin (a natural substance that is needed to break down sugar in the body) and helping the body use insulin efficiently. This medication will only help lower blood sugar in people whose bodies produce insulin naturally. Glyburide is not used to treat type 1 diabetes (condition in which the body does not produce insulin and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood) or diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious condition that may occur if high blood sugar is not treated).

  • Over time, people who have diabetes and high blood sugar can develop serious or life-threatening complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, and eye problems. Taking medication(s), making lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise, quitting smoking), and regularly checking your blood sugar may help to manage your diabetes and improve your health. This therapy may also decrease your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes-related complications such as kidney failure, nerve damage (numb, cold legs or feet; decreased sexual ability in men and women), eye problems, including changes or loss of vision, or gum disease. Your doctor and other healthcare providers will talk to you about the best way to manage your diabetes.

See More information Regarding Glyburide

Phenelzine Overview

  • Phenelzine is used to treat depression in people who have not been helped by other medications. Phenelzine is in a class of medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). It works by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances that are needed to maintain mental balance.

See More information Regarding Phenelzine

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Definitions

Severity Categories

Contraindicated

These drugs, generally, should not be used together simultaneously due to the high risk of severe adverse effects. Combining these medications can lead to dangerous health outcomes and should be strictly avoided unless otherwise instructed by your provider.


Major

This interaction could result in very serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. If you are taking this drug combination, it is very important to be under close medical supervision to minimize severe side effects and ensure your safety. It may be necessary to change a medication or dosage to prevent harm.


Moderate

This interaction has the potential to worsen your medical condition or alter the effectiveness of your treatment. It's important that you are monitored closely and you potentially may need to make adjustments in your treatment plan or drug dosage to maintain optimal health.


Minor

While this interaction is unlikely to cause significant problems, it could intensify side effects or reduce the effectiveness of one or both medications. Monitoring for changes in symptoms and your condition is recommended, and adjustments may be made if needed to manage any increased or more pronounced side effects.


Onset

Rapid: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs within 24 hours of co-administration.

Delayed: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs more than 24 hours after co-administration.


Evidence

Level of documentation of the interaction.

Established: The interaction is documented and substantiated in peer-reviewed medical literature.

Theoretical: This interaction is not fully supported by current medical evidence or well-documented sources, but it is based on known drug mechanisms, drug effects, and other relevant information.


How To Manage The Interaction

Provides a detailed discussion on how patients and clinicians can approach the identified drug interaction as well as offers guidance on what to expect and strategies to potentially mitigate the effects of the interaction. This may include recommendations on adjusting medication dosages, altering the timing of drug administration, or closely monitoring for specific symptoms.

It's important to note that all medical situations are unique, and management approaches should be tailored to individual circumstances. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance on managing drug interactions effectively.


Mechanism Of Interaction

The theorized or clinically determined reason (i.e., mechanism) why the drug-drug interaction occurs.


Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific circumstances and medical conditions.

Where Does Our Information Come From?

Information for our drug interactions is compiled from several drug compendia, including:

The prescribing information for each drug, as published on DailyMED, is also used. 

Individual drug-drug interaction detail pages contain references specific to that interaction. You can click on the reference number within brackets '[]' to see what reference was utilized.

The information posted is fact-checked by HelloPharmacist clinicians and reviewed quarterly.