What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acetohexamide?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to acetohexamide, or if you are in a
state of diabetic ketoacidosis. Call your doctor for treatment with insulin.
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely
use this medication. Before you take acetohexamide, tell your doctor if you have:
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether
acetohexamide is harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to
become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether acetohexamide passes into breast milk or if it could be
harmful to a nursing baby. Do not take acetohexamide without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take acetohexamide?
Take acetohexamide exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger or smaller amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the
directions on your prescription label.
Your dose needs may change if you are ill, if you have a fever or infection, or if you have
surgery or a medical emergency.
Do not change your dose of acetohexamide without first talking to your doctor.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
Acetohexamide is usually taken once a day, with breakfast or the first main meal of the
day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low, causing hypoglycemia. You may have
hypoglycemia if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress.
Know the signs of low blood sugar
(hypoglycemia)
and how to
recognize them. Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low
blood sugar. Sugar sources include orange juice, glucose gel, candy, or milk. Severe
hypoglycemia may cause loss of consciousness, seizures, or death. If you have severe
hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use an injection of glucagon. Your doctor can give you a
prescription for a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to give the injection.
Watch for signs of blood sugar that is too high (
hyperglycemia
). These
symptoms include increased thirst, loss of appetite, increased urination, nausea, vomiting,
drowsiness, dry skin, and dry mouth. Check your blood sugar levels and ask your doctor how to
adjust your medication doses if needed.
Check your blood sugar carefully during a time of stress or illness, if you travel, exercise
more than usual, or skip meals. These things can affect your glucose levels and your dose needs
may also change.
Acetohexamide is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include
diet, exercise, weight control, and testing your blood sugar. Follow your diet, medication, and
exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your blood sugar levels.
Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any
scheduled appointments.
It is important to take acetohexamide regularly to get the most benefit. Get your
prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Store acetohexamide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.