DIATAB Oral Hypoglycemic     COMPOSITION Each tablet contains 5 mg Glibenclamide B.P.     PROPERTIES DIATAB is a sulphonylurea possessing a hypoglycemic action by oral route.     INDICATIONS Certain forms of diabetes (type II, maturity-onset diabetes) which are not adequately controlled by dietary measures alone.     DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Initial stabilization on DIATAB must be undertaken by a physician's consultation only. The treatment is started with half a tablet of DIATAB (2.5mg) immediately before breakfast. If necessary, raise the dose by 2.5 mg at intervals of one week until the blood sugar is controlled. As a rule, the maximum effect is attained with 3 tablets of DIATAB per day, in exceptional cases 4 tablets of DIATAB per day .The maximum single dose is 2 tablets of DIATAB to be taken before breakfast. If the daily dose exceeds 2 tablets the remaining portion is taken immediately before the evening meal.     CONTRAINDICATIONS Insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetes, diabetic coma, breakdown of control of diabetes e.g kotacidosis, precoma, severe renal or hepatic impairment, hypersensitivity to Glibenclamide, pregnancy and lactation (consult a physician for advice).     PRECAUTIONS Change over from another antidiabetic agent, especially insulin to DIATAB, or to be combined, therapy should be carried out under medical supervision.     SIDE EFFECTS Exceptional cases of gastric intolerance and allergic skin reactions. Rare and reversible hemopoietic system changes.     INTERACTIONS Some drugs may potentiate the hypoglycemic action of DIATAB ( e.g. betablockers, bezafibrate, clofibrate, coumarin derivative, chloramphenicol, biguanides, fenfluramin, pentoxifylline, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, phenylbutazone, salicylates, phosphamides, phenyramidol, sulphonamides, sulphinpyrazone & tetracycline compounds). Some other drugs may decrease the hypoglycemic action of DIATAB (e.g. abuse of laxatives & high dosage of nicotinic acid) estrogen, gestagens, corticosteroids, phenothiazine derivatives, saluretics, sympathomimetic agents & thyroid hormones.     SPECIAL NOTES Compliance to diet and regular DIATAB intake are of utmost importance. Overdosage, interaction, or dietary errors may lead to hypoglycemic episodes (headache, irritability, restlessness, profuse sweating, insomnia, tremor, impairment of performance and alertness) which must be immediately reported to the physician. In this case the patient may not be fit to drive, to cross the road or to operate machinery. Sign of hypoglycemia can be corrected by administering carbohydrates (sugar in various forms). When situation of unusual stress arises ( e.g. emergency surgery & febrile infections) a temporary change to insulin may become necessary.     PRESENTATIONS 5 mg tablet in packs of 30 tablets & hospital packs of 1000 tablets.