Clamide

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Clamide

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Clamide

Clamide is a prescription-only medication that belongs to the class of oral antidiabetic agents, used primarily to manage high blood sugar levels in adults diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It is used when lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise) alone do not adequately control blood glucose.


Property Description
Active ingredient Glibenclamide (INN) / Glyburide (USAN)
Form Oral tablet formulation
Pharmacological class Second-generation Sulfonylurea
Common use Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Origin Synthetic organic compound

What Type of Medicine is Clamide (Glibenclamide)?

Clamide's core active substance is Glibenclamide, which is also known as Glyburide. It is classified as a second-generation sulfonylurea, placing it in a drug family known for its direct influence on the pancreas. As a single-ingredient product, Clamide is used for patients requiring targeted stimulation of their body's insulin production. It serves as an adjunct to diet and exercise in regulating glucose levels.

Composition and General Purpose for Blood Sugar Management

The active component, Glibenclamide, is a synthetic organic compound manufactured as a solid oral tablet formulation intended for ingestion. Its primary function is to serve as a hypoglycemic agent to reduce hyperglycemia. This involves stimulating the pancreas to boost the release of insulin from the beta cells. This mechanism helps the body process and move excess glucose from the bloodstream into cells, assisting patients in maintaining overall blood sugar control in the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

What side effects are possible with Clamide?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Clamide (Glibenclamide/Glyburide) focuses primarily on adverse reactions officially categorized by their frequency and the body systems they affect, as documented in regulatory labeling.

Official Adverse Reaction Classification

The most frequent adverse reaction consistently listed in official documents is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which is classified as Common. Gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, along with headache and dizziness, are also noted as common effects. Rarer adverse reactions documented across regulatory sources include disorders of the blood and lymphatic system, specifically leukopenia and potentially severe conditions like agranulocytosis and aplastic anemia.

System-Organ Classes and Serious Reactions

Adverse effects are also categorized by the physiological system affected. Hepatobiliary disorders (e.g., elevated liver enzymes, jaundice) and Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders (e.g., rash, pruritus) are officially documented. Serious, though rare, adverse reactions specified in regulatory documentation include Severe Hypoglycemia (which can lead to coma or death), Severe Blood Dyscrasias, and major dermatological conditions such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

Population-Specific Safety Notes

The official safety information notes explicit safety considerations for certain populations. The elderly are defined as being at increased susceptibility to hypoglycemia. Furthermore, the medicine is officially restricted or contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment and severe hepatic impairment, as well as individuals with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Official regulatory information states that the principal danger of Clamide overdose is severe hypoglycemia (extremely low blood sugar), a life-threatening condition. The overdose profile is defined entirely by the physiological consequences of this low blood sugar.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Symptoms officially documented for overdose include autonomic signs like sweating, tremor, anxiety, and tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), alongside neuroglycopenic signs such as confusion, headache, drowsiness, and irritability. Failure to treat hypoglycemia rapidly can lead to severe central nervous system outcomes, including seizures and coma.

When to Seek Urgent Help

Regulatory authorities mandate that any suspected overdose requires immediately seeking medical attention or calling emergency services/Poison Control. Urgent help is specifically required if the person has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or cannot be awakened.

Official Management Requirements

The essential treatment is the administration of glucose (oral or intravenous dextrose). Due to the drug's duration of action, hospital observation for at least 12 to 24 hours is required, even after initial symptoms subside, because of the risk of delayed hypoglycemia. Specific warnings note that children (even after single-tablet ingestion) and older adults are at a heightened risk for severe complications.

Therapeutic Uses of Clamide

The primary therapeutic use of Clamide (whose active ingredient is glibenclamide, also known as glyburide) may be applied in addressing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in adults. Clamide is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute episodes where symptoms associated with acute or episodic changes become disruptive.

It is considered relevant for easing symptoms related to systemic imbalance and may be often used during phases when symptoms become more noticeable and supportive relief is needed. This medication may be applied when appropriate to help with blood sugar levels, supporting general well-being. The use of this medicine generally contributes to improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms associated with the condition and assists with maintaining functional stability. It is particularly relevant for managing symptoms that interfere with daily comfort and symptoms that create noticeable physiological strain.

“It provides support that may help ease the overall symptom burden in contexts marked by increased discomfort.”

Quick Fact: May provide supportive relief for symptoms related to systemic imbalance

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus overview

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who can and cannot use Clamide — Official Regulatory Information

This section outlines the eligibility and non-eligibility for Clamide (Glibenclamide) based strictly on authoritative government regulatory labeling.

Category Official Regulatory Status
Populations for whom use is allowed Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus whose condition is not controlled by diet and exercise alone, provided no contraindications exist.
Populations for whom use is contraindicated Individuals with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, diabetic ketoacidosis, known hypersensitivity to Clamide or sulfonamides, and patients with severe hepatic or severe renal impairment.
Pregnancy and lactation eligibility Contraindicated in pregnancy (insulin must be substituted). Not recommended during lactation.

Age-Related and Condition-Specific Eligibility

Eligibility Domain Constraint/Status (Official Labeling)
Age-related eligibility rules Pediatric use (under 18) is generally not established or not recommended. Geriatric patients may use it but require special caution due to increased hypoglycemia risk.
Eligibility-related restrictions Use must be discontinued and insulin substituted during conditions of severe stress (e.g., major surgery, severe infection). G6PD deficiency necessitates caution and consideration of an alternative agent.

Official regulatory documents define eligibility by setting absolute contraindications for specific diseases (Type 1 DM) and severe organ failure. They also establish conditional non-eligibility during physiological states like pregnancy, where treatment is prohibited, and mandatory caution for the elderly and those with moderate organ impairment.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Clamide (Glibenclamide/Glyburide) interacts with a defined range of medicinal products and substances, as documented in official regulatory sources. The interaction profile includes formally prohibited combinations, pharmacokinetic alterations, and pharmacodynamic potentiation.

Interaction Restrictions

Co-administration with Bosentan is a formal contraindication. Miconazole (systemic or oromucosal gel) is also prohibited in some regions due to the documented risk of severe hypoglycemia. Patients should avoid Alcohol (Ethanol) as consumption may potentiate the glucose-lowering effect and can be associated with a disulfiram-like reaction.

Exposure and Timing Constraints

Interactions that alter Clamide’s exposure include those with CYP enzyme inducers like Rifampin, which can decrease its blood concentration. Conversely, CYP inhibitors such as Fluconazole may increase Clamide levels. Co-administration with Cyclosporine may result in elevated plasma concentrations of Cyclosporine itself. A mandatory timing rule requires Clamide to be administered at least 4 hours before Colesevelam to prevent reduced absorption.

Pharmacodynamic Effects and Population Notes

The simultaneous use of Clamide with other blood-glucose lowering agents, Beta-blockers, or Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents (NSAIDs) can lead to pharmacodynamic potentiation of the hypoglycemic effect. Beta-blockers specifically may mask the body's warning signs of low blood sugar. The regulatory label notes that patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment may have a heightened risk of severe, prolonged hypoglycemic reactions in the context of drug interactions. Additionally, use in patients with G6PD-deficiency is associated with a risk of haemolytic anaemia.

Mechanism of Action

Modulating Receptor and Enzyme Activity

Clamide exerts its primary effect by selectively engaging key receptor proteins and enzyme systems within specific pathways. This interaction modifies the function of these targets, altering their responsiveness to natural mediators and thereby changing the availability of signaling molecules. This mechanistic domain is essential because it initiates the cascade required to reduce the magnitude of physiological signaling.


Regulating Signal Transduction Cascades

Beyond the initial binding, Clamide's action translates into a change in the intracellular signal transduction cascade. It modifies early molecular steps, such as second messenger levels, which limits the propagation of heightened pathway activation throughout the cell. By interfering with these downstream signaling sequences, Clamide influences the regulation of overactive or dysregulated processes and modifies subsequent systemic physiological effects.


Influencing Homeostatic Pathway Dynamics

The overall result of Clamide's targeted mechanistic activity is to adjust activity toward a more regulated state within the affected biological system. The drug engages the body’s own regulatory feedback mechanisms to influence homeostatic pathway dynamics, which modulates the activity of overactive physiological responses and reduces the level of excessive mediator activity.

Dosage and Administration Information

Glibenclamide (Clamide) is an oral medication administered via ingestion. The medicine is available in two non-interchangeable tablet forms: Standard (1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg) and Micronized (1.5 mg, 3 mg, 6 mg). Because these formulations are not bioequivalent, a transition between them requires a complete dose re-titration process to establish a new, appropriate maintenance level.

Administration is typically once-daily for initial and lower maintenance doses, occurring with breakfast or the first main meal of the day. Standard starting doses range from 2.5 mg to 5 mg daily, with a maximum daily limit of 20 mg. The dose is adjusted in small increments at weekly intervals based on individual response. If a higher dose is required, the total daily amount may be administered in divided doses.

Specific procedural constraints apply to different patient groups and timing. Initial dosing for older adults is lower than the standard adult starting dose. Furthermore, if a dose is forgotten, the amount is not doubled to catch up; instead, the next scheduled dose is taken as usual.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Clamide

Evidence for Use in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Adults

Research has examined the use of Clamide (Glibenclamide) primarily through Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and comprehensive meta-analyses. These investigations focused on adult patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Studies were conducted to monitor changes in key glycemic biomarkers, specifically Hemoglobin A1c ( HbA1c) and Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) levels over defined time intervals. Research also explored measures of insulin and C-peptide levels.

Findings from these trials describe patterns observed related to the measurement of blood sugar changes. However, the same body of evidence was associated with an increased rate of hypoglycemic episodes (episodes of low blood sugar) reported in the observed populations.


Studies Comparing Clamide to Other Treatments

Numerous trials and systematic reviews have evaluated Clamide against either a placebo or other medications used for Type 2 Diabetes. These studies were designed to research how different treatment approaches influenced long-term blood sugar markers and to observe the occurrence of different patterns in outcomes.

Comparative findings indicate patterns related to HbA1c and FBG changes in studies that evaluated other treatments. Certain comparisons suggest that Clamide was associated with differences in blood sugar measurement changes in some instances, and was observed in some studies to have a different pattern for the occurrence of hypoglycemia compared to certain other agents in the same class. These studies help contextualize how treatment responses and risks vary across different therapeutic options.


Long-Term Studies and Durability of Response

Long-term observational cohort studies and extended RCT follow-up research have explored how measurements of blood sugar control evolved over periods ranging from one year up to five years. The goal was to monitor how measurements of blood sugar evolved over time.

Findings describe patterns related to the evolution of blood sugar control and tracked long-term outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance, such as the occurrence of major cardiovascular events or all-cause mortality, particularly when compared against metformin. Limited information is available for the very longest-term outcomes when Clamide is used as a standalone treatment. Furthermore, follow-up durations were limited in many studies, and there is an ongoing need for more research to fully establish the long-term patterns and certainty of results over many years.


Evidence in Specific Adult Populations

Dedicated research examined the use of Clamide in specific groups of adult patients, including those categorized by age. Research explores differences in outcomes in older adults.

The evidence data show patterns related to the occurrence of hypoglycemic episodes in the older adults studied. Data for certain groups remain insufficient when studying outcomes in contexts involving fluctuating or unstable symptoms or reduced kidney function, which are more common in this population.


Uncertainties and Areas for Future Research

The current body of evidence, while extensive, still contains gaps where certainty remains low or research is ongoing.

  • Long-Term Cardiovascular Outcomes: Comparative evidence is lacking from long-term, high-quality RCTs that definitively assess the difference in outcomes related to major cardiovascular events (like heart attack or stroke) relative to other antidiabetic drug classes.
  • Dose Response: Studies have explored a potential non-linear dose-response relationship, suggesting that measurements of additional blood sugar changes may be negligible when using doses above a certain threshold, but findings were mixed regarding the exact point of diminishing returns.
  • Research Limitation Frames: Results apply only to the populations studied, and subgroup findings are uncertain for specific comorbidities or levels of kidney function due to limited sample sizes or the exclusion of these patients from the largest trials. The evidence quality varies across studies, particularly when comparing older observational data to modern RCTs.

Key Studies & References

  1. Glibenclamide (Glyburide) Tablets, USP - FDA Approved Drug Label/Monograph
  2. Second-generation sulfonylureas for diabetes mellitus: an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
  3. Glyburide - NIH MedlinePlus Drug Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Clamide (FAQ)


Q: Is Clamide safe for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, according to official documents?

According to official regulatory documents, Clamide (Glibenclamide) is contraindicated (prohibited) for managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus during pregnancy. Insulin is typically substituted for blood sugar control in this condition, as directed by official guidance. Furthermore, the medicine is not recommended for use while breastfeeding.


Q: What is the difference between the brand name Clamide and its generic equivalent?

Clamide is the active ingredient Glibenclamide, which is also known as Glyburide. The drug is available as both brand-name products and its generic equivalent (glyBURIDE Tablets). Both the brand and generic forms are described as containing the same active medicinal component.


Q: Is Clamide considered an opioid or a controlled substance?

Official information indicates that Clamide, which belongs to the sulfonylurea class of antidiabetic agents, is not classified as an opioid. It is also not listed as a Schedule I, II, III, IV, or V controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).


Q: Can people with kidney conditions use Clamide?

Regulatory labeling advises using caution and conservative dosing for patients with renal insufficiency (reduced kidney function). However, use is generally restricted or contraindicated in patients who have severe renal impairment due to the increased risk of prolonged low blood sugar.


Q: What are the typical warnings about signs of a serious side effect from Clamide?

Official warnings describe the symptoms of severe hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar), which is the most frequent serious adverse effect. These symptoms can include confusion, excessive hunger, shakiness, cold sweats, and a fast heartbeat. Other warnings relate to rare but serious blood disorders.


Q: Are there certain foods or supplements that are known to interact with Clamide?

While the medicine is generally taken with food, official documents advise against the consumption of alcohol (Ethanol). This is due to the potential for alcohol to potentiate (strengthen) the blood sugar lowering effect, increasing the risk of low blood sugar, and potentially causing another adverse reaction.


Q: How quickly does Clamide typically start to have an effect?

According to regulatory descriptions of how the drug works in the body, significant absorption is described as occurring within one hour after a single dose. The maximum concentration of the medicine in the bloodstream is typically reached at about four hours.


Q: What should I expect in terms of timing for results with Clamide?

The blood glucose-lowering effect is described in official documents as persisting for up to 24 hours following a single morning dose. Achieving stable, desired blood sugar control is a gradual process involving regular clinical assessment.


Q: Is it possible for Clamide to cause weight gain or loss?

Weight gain is noted in documented safety summaries as a possible common side effect associated with the medication. Patients are encouraged to discuss any concerns about weight changes with their healthcare provider.


Q: Does Clamide affect my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Official warnings indicate that the most frequent serious adverse effect, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), can impair mental alertness and judgment. This condition has the potential to affect a person’s ability to drive or safely operate machinery.


Q: Are there any special warnings about Clamide for people with liver issues?

Regulatory labeling advises using conservative initial and maintenance doses in patients with any degree of hepatic impairment (reduced liver function). The medicine is generally restricted or contraindicated in patients with severe liver disease.


Q: Why is Clamide sometimes used in combination with other drugs?

Official documents state that Clamide may be used in combination with one or more other oral antidiabetic agents (e.g., metformin) or insulin. This strategy is described as an adjunct to diet and exercise to help achieve adequate blood sugar control when a single drug is not sufficient.


Q: Do studies suggest that certain demographics (age/sex) respond differently to Clamide?

Official data indicates that older adults are at an increased susceptibility to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) compared to younger adults. Pharmacokinetic evidence also suggests that certain genetic variations may affect how the drug is metabolized by the body.


Q: Why do some people report feeling lightheaded after starting Clamide?

The sensation of lightheadedness or dizziness is listed in official documents as a common adverse effect of the medicine. It is also a documented symptom of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which is a common and serious risk that is monitored.


Q: How is Clamide typically removed from the body?

Pharmacokinetic information describes that the drug is primarily removed from the body as metabolites (broken-down substances) through two pathways. These metabolites are excreted equally: approximately 50% in the bile and 50% in the urine.


Q: What kind of monitoring is typically described in official documents for patients starting Clamide?

Monitoring of key glycemic biomarkers is described as necessary to assess the drug's response. These include tests like Hemoglobin A1c ( HbA1c) and Fasting Blood Glucose, which track overall and immediate blood sugar levels.


Q: Does Clamide need to be adjusted for people traveling across time zones?

Patient counseling information in regulatory documents note that allowances are made for changing time zones when traveling. This adjustment is necessary to help maintain meal times and prevent instability in blood sugar levels.


Q: Does Clamide affect blood pressure or heart rate?

Clamide is not classified as a blood pressure medicine. However, research indicates that the occurrence of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) while taking the medicine can be associated with a reduced capacity for heart rate regulation.


Q: Is Clamide a commonly used medication?

Yes, Clamide's active ingredient (Glibenclamide) is widely recognized. It is listed on the vast majority of national essential medicines lists globally, indicating its established and broad use in managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

How should Clamide be stored and disposed of?

Storage Conditions

Clamide (Glibenclamide) tablets must be stored at Controlled Room Temperature, which is generally defined as 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F), and must not be stored above 30 C. The product requires protection and must be kept in its original, tightly closed container to shield it from light and excessive moisture. It is required that the tablets not be refrigerated or frozen. For safety, the medication must be stored out of the reach and sight of children.

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Clamide must be disposed of according to local pharmaceutical waste regulations. The preferred method for discarding is a medicine take-back program. If no program is available, the product should be mixed with an undesirable substance, sealed, and placed in the household trash. Tablets must not be flushed down the toilet or poured into any drain.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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