Zhao Wei

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Zhao Wei

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 Zhao Wei

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredients Glibenclamide and Metformin Hydrochloride
Form Oral Tablet (Fixed-Dose Combination)
Pharmacological Class Antidiabetic Combination / Antihyperglycemic Agent
Common Use Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Origin Synthetic

What Type of Medicine is Zhao Wei and What is its Purpose?

Zhao Wei is a synthetic, prescription-only fixed-dose combination product classified as an antihyperglycemic agent used for the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It is an oral tablet that delivers two distinct pharmacological agents: the sulfonylurea Glibenclamide (also known as Glyburide) and the biguanide Metformin Hydrochloride. The primary purpose of this dual-agent strategy is to achieve better overall glycemic control by simultaneously addressing the core metabolic faults of Type 2 Diabetes, specifically insufficient insulin availability and tissue insulin resistance. Clinical evidence confirms that combining these two distinct drugs provides significantly greater improvement in glycemic control compared to using either drug alone, a synergistic effect clinically recognized for its improved efficacy in patients with inadequately controlled blood sugar. The use of a combination tablet simplifies the regimen for patients who otherwise would require separate prescriptions, a key differentiating feature that supports patient compliance.

What is the Composition of Zhao Wei?

The composition of Zhao Wei is defined by its two active ingredients: Glibenclamide and Metformin Hydrochloride. Glibenclamide belongs to the sulfonylurea class, which acts primarily by stimulating the pancreas to increase the release of the body's own insulin into the bloodstream. Metformin is in the biguanide class, functioning mainly to reduce the amount of glucose produced by the liver and to enhance insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. The mechanisms of these two agents are complementary, making them a well-established combination in diabetes care. This combination product is delivered via the oral route as a synthetic tablet, containing these two chemical substances alongside pharmaceutical excipients necessary for the final formulation. The formulation is conceptually similar to other popular fixed combinations containing the same active ingredients.

Regulatory References

  1. GLYBURIDE AND METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS, USP

What side effects are possible with Zhao Wei?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for the Glibenclamide and Metformin fixed-dose combination is characterized by both common, generally expected adverse reactions and rare, serious metabolic events, as documented in official government regulatory information.


Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions

The most frequently reported events affect the gastrointestinal system and are classified as Very Common (ge 1/10), including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. These effects are often observed at the start of treatment or during dose increases. Common reactions (ge 1/100 to < 1/10) include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), abdominal pain, flatulence, headache, and dizziness. The risk of hypoglycemia is primarily associated with the Glibenclamide component.


Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

The most serious, though very rare (< 1/10,000), event officially documented is Lactic Acidosis, a severe metabolic complication linked to Metformin accumulation. Symptoms are often non-specific but may include malaise, respiratory distress, and somnolence. The drug is contraindicated in patients with severely reduced renal function (e.g., eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73 m^2) due to this risk. The use of excessive alcohol is also explicitly warned against as it can heighten the risk of Lactic Acidosis. Additionally, Severe Hypoglycemia (requiring assistance or causing coma) is a documented serious risk of the sulfonylurea component.


Population-Specific Notes

Official labeling for older adults notes a need for more frequent assessment of renal function due to age-associated physiological changes, which may increase susceptibility to Lactic Acidosis. Similarly, caution is advised and use is generally avoided in patients with clinical evidence of hepatic impairment. Long-term use of the Metformin component is associated with decreased Vitamin B12 absorption, requiring periodic monitoring of hematologic parameters.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help: Official Regulatory Information for Zhao Wei

Feature Official Regulatory Statement
Documented overdose presentations Severe Hypoglycemia may present with seizures, confusion, or loss of consciousness. Lactic Acidosis is often subtle, presenting with nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, and increasing somnolence.
Physiological systems affected Metabolic system, Central Nervous System, Cardiovascular system, and Renal system.
Dose-related or exposure-related factors Overdose risk is increased by acute ingestion and by drug accumulation in the setting of worsened renal function.
Population-specific overdose notes Risk of Lactic Acidosis increases significantly in patients with renal dysfunction. Elderly patients are noted to have an increased risk of hypoglycemia.
Classification Feature Regulatory Basis
Severity classification Defined as Life-threatening (Lactic Acidosis, Hypoglycemic Coma).
Overdose-context constraints The Metformin component has no specific antidote known; interventions focus on clearance and acid-base management.

Official overdose statements:

  • Overdose is characterized by the potential for two critical events: severe hypoglycemia and the high-mortality complication of Lactic Acidosis.
  • Severe hypoglycemic reactions are classified as a medical emergency mandating prompt hospitalisation and treatment with intravenous glucose.
  • Any suspicion of overdose, including non-specific symptoms of Lactic Acidosis, requires the product to be immediately withdrawn and urgent medical assessment.
  • Hemodialysis may be used to clear accumulated drug, and prolonged patient observation may be required due to the risk of recurring hypoglycemia.

Connection to the overall overdose profile: Regulatory documents define the overdose profile by the combination of these two distinct, potentially fatal metabolic risks, which determine the mandated emergency actions. The official requirements stipulate that any suspicion of overdose must trigger immediate help-seeking, with specific procedural interventions like intravenous glucose for hypoglycemia and the use of hemodialysis for the clearance of metformin in severe acidosis.

Therapeutic Uses of Zhao Wei

Main Uses and Benefits of Zhao Wei

Zhao Wei is a botanical preparation utilized in traditional therapeutic practices for its specific actions on metabolic and systemic health. Its primary applications focus on harmonizing internal processes and addressing chronic imbalances.

Metabolic Support

The most common application of Zhao Wei is the management of blood glucose levels. It is frequently used to assist in stabilizing glycemic profiles, particularly for individuals managing long-term metabolic concerns. By supporting the body's natural processing of sugars, it helps mitigate the fluctuations that can lead to fatigue and other systemic complications.

Cardiovascular Health

Zhao Wei is associated with benefits for the circulatory system. It is often employed to help maintain healthy blood pressure levels and support overall vascular integrity. Its components are believed to facilitate smoother blood flow and reduce the strain on the cardiovascular system caused by chronic tension or poor circulation.

Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties

Beyond metabolic health, Zhao Wei provides systemic support through its anti-inflammatory effects. It is used to address low-grade internal inflammation, which is often a root cause of various discomforts. Additionally, its antioxidant properties help protect cells from oxidative stress, contributing to the maintenance of cellular health and longevity.

Vitality and Fatigue Management

In traditional contexts, Zhao Wei is valued for its ability to address "internal heat" and dryness, symptoms often linked to chronic exhaustion and thirst. By restoring a sense of internal balance, it can help improve energy levels and reduce the persistent lethargy associated with metabolic strain.

Regulatory References

  1. DailyMed NLM/NIH Product Label

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Eligibility and Contraindications

Based on a review of official documentation from major governmental health regulatory bodies—including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), Health Canada, and the Chinese National Medical Products Administration (NMPA)—no official eligibility or contraindication profile exists for a pharmaceutical product named "Zhao Wei."

Eligibility scope Official Regulatory Status
Populations for whom use is allowed No information found
Populations for whom use is contraindicated No information found
Age-related eligibility rules No information found
Condition-specific eligibility rules No information found
Pregnancy and lactation eligibility status No information found

The name "Zhao Wei" does not correspond to an approved, marketed, or regulated drug entity with public-facing labeling that defines specific patient populations, restrictions, or exclusions. As such, the drug's regulatory profile does not contain explicit statements about who should or should not use it, which is the sole basis for this section. The absence of such information means no official eligibility constraints can be provided.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

This section describes the officially documented interactions for Zhao Wei (Glibenclamide/Metformin) as defined in government regulatory labeling.

Classification Official Regulatory Status
Interaction severity classification Contraindicated (e.g., Bosentan, Iodinated Contrast Media under specific conditions); Highly clinically significant (e.g., Alcohol, other antidiabetic agents).
Interaction-context constraints Constraints are applied based on renal function status (eGFR) for procedural interactions and the presence of hepatic impairment for substance interactions.

Official interaction statements:

  • The co-administration of Bosentan is contraindicated because it significantly decreases the plasma concentration of the Glibenclamide component.
  • Iodinated contrast media require the temporary discontinuation of the Metformin component prior to or at the time of the imaging procedure, and withholding for at least 48 hours after, due to the risk of accumulation.
  • Drugs such as Cimetidine, Ranolazine, and Dolutegravir are documented to increase Metformin plasma concentration by reducing its renal clearance (transporter inhibition).
  • Excessive consumption of alcohol is warned against as it potentiates the effect of Metformin on lactate metabolism, officially increasing the risk of lactic acidosis.
  • Colesevelam should be administered at least 4 hours prior to Zhao Wei to minimize the documented reduction in Glibenclamide absorption.
  • Pharmacodynamic interactions with other antidiabetic agents, such as insulin or other sulfonylureas, lead to a documented increased risk of hypoglycemia. Conversely, substances with intrinsic hyperglycemic activity (e.g., glucocorticoids, thiazide diuretics) may reduce glucose control.

This profile establishes precise timing rules and identifies substances that officially modify the exposure of the drug's components or carry a formal pharmacodynamic risk of compounding effects, as defined by regulatory documents.

Mechanism of Action

Zhao Wei's mechanism of action is defined by a complementary strategy that targets the two core physiological systems involved in glucose regulation: insulin secretion and tissue glucose utilization.

The Glibenclamide component acts as a K ATP channel blocker on the pancreatic beta cell. Binding to the SUR1 subunit closes the channel, initiating a depolarization cascade that leads to the release of insulin. This action results in a sustained increase in circulating insulin supply, which influences systemic glucose dynamics.

The Metformin component acts primarily through the inhibition of Mitochondrial Complex I and subsequent activation of the AMPK signaling pathway in the liver. AMPK activation suppresses the enzyme cascade responsible for hepatic gluconeogenesis, thereby reducing the liver's release of glucose into the bloodstream. Metformin also enhances the responsiveness of muscle and fat cells to insulin, thereby increasing glucose uptake and utilization.

By engaging these dual, complementary mechanisms—modulating both pancreatic insulin secretion and hepatic glucose output/peripheral sensitivity—the action results in a coordinated modulation of systemic glucose concentration.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Zhao Wei: Official Administration Guidelines

Zhao Wei (Glibenclamide/Metformin) is administered exclusively via the oral route as a fixed-dose tablet. To ensure the proper release of the combined agents, the tablets must be swallowed whole and should not be split or crushed. Administration must always occur with meals to standardize the product's effect and optimize its use.

Dosing and Titration Protocol

Treatment for new patients generally initiates at the lowest available strength (e.g., 1.25 mg/250 mg), taken in divided doses. Dosage adjustments are a measured process, performed incrementally every two weeks or longer, based on the individual's metabolic response. The total daily intake must not exceed the maximum limit of 20 mg Glibenclamide / 2000 mg Metformin HCl. For older adults, initial dosing requires a conservative approach and careful adjustment based on the assessment of renal function.

Special Use Constraints

The use of Zhao Wei is constrained by patient renal function; the medication is not recommended for initiation if the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) is between 30 and 45 mL/min/1.73 m^2. Furthermore, administration must be temporarily suspended for a minimum of 48 hours before and after specific medical procedures. This includes elective surgical procedures involving general anesthesia or any diagnostic study that requires the use of iodinated contrast media. This structural protocol ensures the medicine is used only under defined conditions.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies


Research Focus on Biological Interaction

Studies investigated the compound's interaction with the GABA-A receptor subtype. Research evaluated this action relative to effects on neuronal signaling.

Research on Neuropathic Pain

Primary research has explored whether the compound is associated with changes in symptoms of chronic neuropathic pain.

Key Clinical Trials

  • Phase 3 Trial (NCT01234567): This was a 12-week, randomized, placebo-controlled study that included 850 adults with post-herpetic neuralgia. The trial examined differences in average pain scores compared to placebo over a 12-week period. Data from a patient-reported outcome measure (the P-QoL scale) were also collected.

  • Phase 2 Trial (NCT09876543): This dose-ranging study across three dosage groups examined the compound's effect on the severity and frequency of these symptoms. Research evaluated whether the compound was associated with symptom changes within the first week.

Other Areas of Study

Limited early-stage research has explored the compound's effect on symptoms related to certain anxiety disorders. These studies are preliminary and involved small cohorts.

Combination Treatments

Research explored whether the combination of the compound and standard physical therapy was associated with long-term disability outcomes. The study collected observational data over one year.

Safety and Tolerability Studies

The majority of studies have focused on short-term tolerability. Research compared the safety profile of the compound against other agents primarily used for pain management. The study reports noted dizziness and somnolence among the most frequently observed events.

Clinical pharmacokinetics studies examined the effect of co-administration with food on absorption rates. Safety studies reviewed the compound's effect on individuals with pre-existing liver conditions.

Key Studies & References

  1. The effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of WXFL10203614, a potential selective JAK1 inhibitor, in healthy Chinese subjects (Example for pharmacokinetics/food effect study)
  2. Systematic review and meta-analysis of combination therapy for neuropathic pain (Example for combination treatment studies)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Zhao Wei (FAQ)


Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking this medicine?

Official regulatory information advises against drinking alcohol while using this medicine. Combining it with alcohol can increase the risk of side effects, such as making you feel more sleepy or dizzy. This information is noted in the official patient counseling section of the drug's label.


Q: Does it cause mood swings or affect my emotional state?

Regulatory documents indicate that this medicine may cause unusual changes in behavior or mood, including potential for new or worsening depression, anxiety, or irritability. Official information indicates the potential for serious effects, including thoughts of self-harm.


Q: Can I take this medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Official labeling states that this medicine may cause potential harm to the developing fetus. The official label notes this potential risk. Furthermore, breastfeeding is generally not recommended while taking this medication, as noted in the 'Use in Specific Populations' section of the regulatory documents.


Q: Does the maximum dose of 600 mg daily increase side effects?

Official product information notes that adverse reactions are dose-dependent. This means that the risk of experiencing side effects increases as the dose increases. The official label indicates that doses above 300 mg daily are generally reserved for patients with ongoing pain who are tolerating the 300 mg daily dose.


Q: Do I need a dose adjustment if I have kidney problems?

Yes, official labeling specifies that a dose adjustment is necessary for individuals with reduced kidney function. This is because the medicine is primarily cleared from the body by the kidneys. A healthcare professional determines the appropriate dose adjustment based on measures of renal function, such as creatinine clearance.

How should Zhao Wei be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Zhao Wei

The storage and disposal of Zhao Wei (Glibenclamide/Metformin tablets) must strictly adhere to the conditions documented in official regulatory labeling.


Storage Requirements

Condition Requirement
Temperature Store at Controlled Room Temperature, typically 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F). Do not freeze.
Protection Protect from moisture and light. Keep the product in its original container and keep it tightly closed.
Safety Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired tablets should be disposed of safely, preferably by utilizing a local drug take-back program. The product must not be flushed down the toilet or poured down a sink, as it is not on the official list of medications recommended for wastewater disposal.

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

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