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Key Facts
- Drug Class
- Sulfonylurea antidiabetic
- Prescription
- Required
- NAFDAC Status
- NAFDAC Registered
- Forms
- Tablet
- Price Range
- ₦200 - ₦3,000
- WHO Essential
- Yes
What is Glibenclamide?
Glibenclamide (also known as Glyburide in some countries) is a widely used diabetes medication that belongs to the sulfonylurea class of drugs. It is one of the most commonly prescribed second-line treatments for type 2 diabetes in Nigeria, typically added when Metformin alone is not sufficient to bring blood sugar levels under control. Sold under popular brand names such as Daonil and Semi-Daonil by Sanofi, Glibenclamide works by stimulating the beta cells of the pancreas to produce and release more insulin, the hormone that moves sugar from the blood into the body's cells. It is a highly effective drug that has been used in Nigeria for decades and remains a staple in the management of type 2 diabetes.
Glibenclamide is particularly popular in Nigeria for several reasons: it is cheap, effective, and widely available. A pack of Glibenclamide tablets can cost as little as ₦200, making it one of the most affordable diabetes medications on the market. This is a significant advantage in a country where many patients pay out of pocket for their medications and where the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) covers only a fraction of the population. However, its affordability comes with a critical warning — Glibenclamide carries a significant risk of hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar), which can be life-threatening if not recognised and treated promptly. This risk is especially high in elderly patients, those who skip meals, and those with impaired kidney function.
You can find Glibenclamide in pharmacies throughout Nigeria. It is available as 2.5mg tablets (Semi-Daonil) and 5mg tablets (Daonil). A popular fixed-dose combination called Glucovance, which combines Glibenclamide with Metformin in a single tablet, is also widely available and is convenient for patients who need both medications. As a prescription-only medication, Glibenclamide should only be used under the guidance of a doctor who can monitor your blood sugar levels and adjust your dose to minimise the risk of hypoglycemia.
What is Glibenclamide used for?
In Nigeria, Glibenclamide is commonly used for:
- Treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus when Metformin alone does not achieve adequate blood sugar control
- Combination therapy with Metformin for improved blood sugar management
- Type 2 diabetes management in patients who cannot tolerate Metformin
- Part of stepped care approach to type 2 diabetes as recommended by Nigerian treatment guidelines
Dosage
IMPORTANT
Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions. The information below is for general reference only.
Adults
The usual starting dose is 2.5mg (half a 5mg tablet or one Semi-Daonil tablet) taken once daily with breakfast. The dose is gradually increased based on blood sugar response, usually by 2.5mg every 1-2 weeks, up to a maximum of 15mg per day. Doses above 10mg per day are usually split into two doses (morning and evening). Most patients are well controlled on 5-10mg daily. Always take Glibenclamide with meals to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.
Children
Glibenclamide is generally not recommended for children. Type 2 diabetes in children is uncommon in Nigeria, and when it does occur, Metformin is the preferred first-line treatment. In rare cases where Glibenclamide is considered for a child, it should only be prescribed and monitored by a paediatric endocrinologist.
Elderly
Elderly patients are at significantly higher risk of hypoglycemia with Glibenclamide. Treatment should start at the lowest dose (2.5mg daily) and be increased very cautiously. Some guidelines recommend avoiding Glibenclamide in patients over 65 years of age and using shorter-acting sulfonylureas instead. Kidney function should be checked regularly, as age-related kidney decline can cause Glibenclamide to accumulate and increase the risk of prolonged hypoglycemia.
It is critical to eat regular meals when taking Glibenclamide. Skipping meals is one of the most common causes of hypoglycemia in patients on this drug. Always carry a source of quick-acting sugar with you (such as glucose tablets, sugar cubes, or a sweet drink) in case you develop symptoms of low blood sugar. If you are fasting (for example, during Ramadan), discuss with your doctor whether to adjust your dose or switch to a different medication. Do not take a double dose if you miss one — simply take the next dose at the usual time.
Side Effects
Common side effects
- •Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) — the most important and common side effect. Symptoms include sweating, shaking, dizziness, hunger, confusion, irritability, fast heartbeat, and weakness
- •Weight gain (sulfonylureas stimulate insulin release, which promotes fat storage)
- •Nausea and stomach upset
- •Skin rash or itching
- •Headache
Serious side effects — seek medical help immediately
- Severe and prolonged hypoglycemia (can cause seizures, loss of consciousness, coma, and even death if untreated)
- Severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat, severe skin rash)
- Haemolytic anaemia (rare — destruction of red blood cells)
- Liver dysfunction (rare — yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, persistent nausea)
- Hyponatraemia (dangerously low sodium levels, rare)
When to see a doctor
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of severe hypoglycemia such as confusion, inability to eat or drink, seizures, or loss of consciousness. Someone with you should give you sugar or a sugary drink if you are conscious but confused, and call for emergency help immediately. Also see a doctor if you develop yellowing of your eyes or skin, unexplained bruising or bleeding, severe skin rash, or persistent stomach problems. If you are having frequent episodes of mild hypoglycemia (more than twice a week), contact your doctor as your dose may need to be reduced.
Warnings & Precautions
Do not take Glibenclamide if you have:
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus (Glibenclamide only works if the pancreas can still produce some insulin)
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) — use insulin instead
- Severe kidney disease or kidney failure
- Severe liver disease or liver failure
- Known allergy to Glibenclamide, other sulfonylureas, or sulfonamide antibiotics (there may be cross-sensitivity)
- Pregnancy (Glibenclamide crosses the placenta and can cause dangerous hypoglycemia in the newborn)
- During major surgery or severe illness (switch to insulin for better blood sugar control)
Drug interactions
- •Metformin — commonly used together, but the combination increases the risk of hypoglycemia compared to Metformin alone
- •Alcohol — significantly increases the risk of hypoglycemia and may cause flushing, nausea, and vomiting (disulfiram-like reaction)
- •NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, diclofenac) — may enhance the blood sugar lowering effect and increase hypoglycemia risk
- •Fluconazole and miconazole (antifungal drugs) — can significantly increase Glibenclamide blood levels and cause hypoglycemia
- •Ciprofloxacin and other fluoroquinolone antibiotics — may cause unpredictable changes in blood sugar
- •Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, atenolol) — can mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia, making it harder to recognise
- •Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone) — raise blood sugar and may reduce Glibenclamide's effectiveness
- •Warfarin — Glibenclamide may enhance the blood-thinning effect of warfarin
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Glibenclamide is NOT recommended during pregnancy. It crosses the placenta and can stimulate the baby's pancreas to produce excess insulin, leading to dangerous hypoglycemia in the newborn (neonatal hypoglycemia). Women with type 2 diabetes who are planning to become pregnant or who discover they are pregnant while taking Glibenclamide should be switched to insulin, which is the preferred treatment for diabetes in pregnancy. Glibenclamide also passes into breast milk and may cause hypoglycemia in the nursing infant. Women who are breastfeeding should discuss alternative diabetes medications with their doctor. Insulin or Metformin are generally preferred during breastfeeding.
NAFDAC-Registered Brands of Glibenclamide in Nigeria
4 brands registered with NAFDAC as of 2026-02-01.
| Brand Name | Manufacturer | Strength | Form | NAFDAC Reg. No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daonil | Sanofi | 5mg | Tablet | A4-0456 |
| Glibenclamide | Emzor | 5mg | Tablet | A4-6780 |
| Semi-Daonil | Sanofi | 2.5mg | Tablet | A4-0457 |
| Glucovance | Merck | 2.5mg/500mg, 5mg/500mg | Tablet | A4-2345 |
How to Verify Your Glibenclamide is Genuine
- 1Check for the NAFDAC registration number on the pack. Genuine products will have a NAFDAC number such as A4-0456 for Daonil or A4-6780 for Emzor Glibenclamide. You can verify this number on the NAFDAC website or by visiting a NAFDAC office.
- 2Look for the Mobile Authentication Service (MAS) scratch code on the pack. Scratch the silver panel and text the code to the number provided to confirm the product is genuine.
- 3Buy only from licensed and registered pharmacies. Do not purchase diabetes medications from open markets, roadside vendors, or unregistered shops. Counterfeit diabetes drugs may contain no active ingredient, the wrong dose, or harmful substances.
- 4Check the packaging for clear printing, batch number, manufacturing date, and expiry date. Genuine Daonil tablets are white, round, and have a score line. If the tablets look different from what you normally use, consult your pharmacist before taking them.
- 5Store Glibenclamide at room temperature (below 30 degrees Celsius) in a cool, dry place. Keep out of reach of children — accidental ingestion of Glibenclamide by a child can cause severe, life-threatening hypoglycemia.
Glibenclamide Price in Nigeria
Glibenclamide prices in Nigeria typically range from ₦200 to ₦3,000 per pack, depending on the brand, strength, and where you buy it.
₦200 – ₦3,000
per pack
Prices vary by location and vendor. Last updated: 2026-02-01
Where to Buy
Purchase Glibenclamide only from licensed pharmacies and verified distributors. Avoid buying medicines from unverified sources, roadside vendors, or unregistered market stalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- •NAFDAC Greenbook — National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control registered products database
- •WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (23rd List, 2023)
- •British National Formulary (BNF)
- •Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines