Author: Unknown

Patient Information Leaflet

What is in
your medicine?

Diabinese tablets are white and come in two different strengths. Each tablet contains either 100mg or 250mg chlorpropamide. Each tablet also contains alginic acid, maize starch, magnesium stearate and sodium lauryl sulphate.
The tablets are free of gluten, dyes, lactose and other sugars.

The tablets come in packs of 28.

Product Licence Holder
and Manufacturer
Pfizer Limited, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9NJ

What type of medicine
is Diabinese?
Diabinese is one of a group of medicines called sulphonylureas. It is an oral antidiabetic medicine.

What is your
medicine for?
Diabinese is used to lower blood sugar (glucose) in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM for short). This is also called maturity-onset (adult) or Type II diabetes.
It is always used in conjunction with a diet which restricts sugars and fats.
This medicine is also used to treat diabetes insipidus. It reduces the large amount of urine produced in this condition.

Before you
use Diabinese

Be sure to tell your doctor if:
•	You have been told you are allergic to Diabinese.
•	You have insulin-dependent (juvenile) diabetes mellitus.
•	You have ketone bodies and sugar in your urine (this may mean you have ketoacidosis).
•	You have liver or kidney problems.
•	You have thyroid problems.
•	You are about to have major surgery or you have recently suffered a severe illness or infection. At such times diabetic control may be lost.
•	You are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.

•	You are breast feeding.
•	You are under 16 years of age.

If any of the above applies to you this medicine may not be suitable for you to use. Your doctor will advise you.

Can I drive
when taking
this medicine?
All diabetic patients who drive need to be particularly careful to avoid hypoglycaemia (see section “Does your medicine cause undesirable effects?"). If you are affected do not drive or operate machinery.

Can Diabinese
be taken
with other medicines?
A number of medicines may interact with Diabinese and affect diabetic control. You should tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines or any other medicines which you are unsure about:-
•	Anti-inflammatory agents (used to treat muscle and joint pain).
•	Salicylates such as aspirin (used as a pain killer).
•	Sulphonamides (used to treat bacterial infections).
•	Chloramphenicol (an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections).
•	Probenecid (used to treat put or sometimes given with an antibiotic).
•	Coumarins (used to prevent blood clots).
•	Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (used to treat depression).
•	Betablockers (used to treat high blood pressure and certain heart conditions).
•	Diuretics (water tablets).
•	Steroids.
•	Phenothiazines (used to treat psychiatric conditions).
•	Thyroid products (used to treat patients with low production of thyroid hormones).
•	Oestrogens and oral contraceptives.
•	Phenytoin (used to treat epilepsy).
•	Nicotinic acid (used to lower cholesterol and other lipid levels).
•	Sympathomimetics such as nasal decongestants and bronchodilators (used to treat asthma).

MORE INFORMATION ON DIABINESE

•	Calcium channel blocking drugs (used to treat angina and high blood pressure )
	
•	Isoniazid (used to treat tuberculosis)
	
•	Cyclophosphamide (used to treat cancer)

Alcoholic drinks (wine beer spirits) may upset diabetic control. In some people Diabinese reacts with alcohol and causes a hot flush in the face

How to take
your medicine

Diabinese should only be taken by mouth

Patients with NIDDM
The usual adult dose is one 250mg tablet taken each morning with breakfast The maximum dose is 500mg each day
If you are elderly you may need to start treatment with 100mg each morning with breakfast
Patients with diabetes insipidus
The usual starting dose is one 100mg tablet taken each morning with breakfast.
Doctors sometimes prescribe different doses to these. The label on the pack will tell you what dose YOU should take. If you are still not sure ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not stop taking the tablets without seeing your doctor. Stopping the medicine may make the diabetes worse

What if you take
too many tablets?

If you accidentally take too many tablets seek medical advice in all cases. If you suffer faintness, confusion, sweating or shaking these may be symptoms of low blood sugar. You should eat or drink something sugary. If fits or loss of consciousness occur, emergency action will be needed.

What if you
miss a tablet?

If you miss a tablet take one before your next meal.

Does your
medicine cause
undesirable effects?

Serious undesirable effects are rare:-

•	The most common effect is low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) This may cause faintness, sweating, tremor, weakness and confusion. It may be due to lack of food or too high a dose of the medicine. It can be put right by eating or drinking something sugary. If this occurs you should tell your doctor.

If you suffer any of the effects listed below tell your doctor if they are troublesome, severe or do not wear off as treatment goes on:-

•	Nausea
•	Vomiting
•	Diarrhoea
•	Lack of appetite
•	Hunger
•	Itchy skin or skin rash
•	Face flushing with alcohol

The following effects are very rare and you should check with your doctor as soon as possible If any occur:-

•	Jaundice.
•	Fever or chills and ulceration in the mouth or rectum; or pain in the back and stomach.
•	Unusual bruising or bleeding
•	Skin rash in areas exposed to sunlight - face, neck, hands and arms.
•	Confusion, lethargy, weakness or cramps.

HYPERSENSITIVITY EFFECTS
A few patients are allergic to medicines, this may cause sudden wheeziness, rash or itching all over the body. If any of these effects occur when you take Diabinese you should check with your doctor immediately.

It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you suffer any other undesirable effects which are not listed above.

Look after
your medicine

This treatment is for YOU. Do not give it to others. It may not suit them.

Do not take this medicine after the date stamped on the pack.

Where to keep
your medicine
•	Keep your medicine in a cool (below 25°C), dry place.
•	Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Further information

If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

The information in this leaflet is about Diabinese only.

Date Diabinese leaflet United Kingdom
last revised - November 1994
© Pfizer Limited 1995