Generic Name: Acetohexamide
Brand Name: Dymelor

ACETOHEXAMIDE helps to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Treatment is combined with a suitable diet and balanced exercise. Acetohexamide increases the amount of insulin released from the pancreas and helps your body to use insulin more efficiently. Generic acetohexamide tablets are available.

Take acetohexamide tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. If you take acetohexamide once a day, take it 30 minutes before breakfast. If you take it twice a day, it is best to take it before breakfast and the evening meal. If acetohexamide upsets your stomach take it with food or milk. Take your doses at the same time each day; do not take more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Elderly patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Learn how to monitor blood or urine sugar and urine ketones regularly. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if your blood sugar is high, you may need a change of dose of acetohexamide. Do not skip meals. If you are exercising much more than usual you may need extra snacks to avoid side effects caused by low blood sugar. Alcohol can increase possible side effects of acetohexamide. Ask your prescriber or health care professional if you should avoid alcohol. If you have mild symptoms of low blood sugar, eat or drink something containing sugar at once and contact your prescriber or health care professional. It is wise to check your blood sugar to confirm that it is low. It is important to recognize your own symptoms of low blood sugar so that you can treat them quickly. Make sure family members know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you have serious symptoms of low blood sugar, such as seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help at once.

Acetohexamide can increase the sensitivity of your skin to the sun. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking acetohexamide.

Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain to say you have diabetes, and carry a card that lists all your medications.