Patient/Family Teaching

• Instruct patient to take medication at same time each day. If a dose is missed, take as soon as remembered unless almost time for next dose. Patient should not take if unable to eat

• Explain to patient that this medication controls hyperglycemia but does not cure diabetes. Therapy is long-term

• Review signs of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia with patient. If hypoglycemia occurs, advise patient to take a glass of orange juice or 2–3 tsp of sugar, honey, or corn syrup dissolved in water and to notify health care professional

• Encourage patient to follow prescribed diet, medication, and exercise regimen to prevent hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic episodes

• Instruct patient in proper testing of serum glucose and ketones. These tests should be closely monitored during periods of stress or illness and health care professional notified if significant changes occur

• May occasionally cause dizziness or drowsiness. Caution patient to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known

• Caution patient to avoid alcohol while on acetohexamide as it may cause a disulfiram-like reaction (facial flushing, breathlessness)

• Insulin is the preferred method of controlling blood sugar during pregnancy. Counsel female patients to use a form of contraception other than hormonal contraceptives and to notify health care professional promptly if pregnancy is planned or suspected

• Caution patient to use sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent photosensitivity reactions

• Advise patient to inform health care professional of medication regimen before treatment or surgery

• Advise patient to carry a form of sugar (sugar packets, candy) and identification describing disease process and medication regimen at all times

• Advise patient to notify health care professional promptly if unusual weight gain, swelling of ankles, drowsiness, shortness of breath, muscle cramps, weakness, sore throat, rash, or unusual bleeding or bruising occurs

• Emphasize the importance of routine follow-up exams

acetoHEXAMIDE is a sample topic found in Davis's Drug Guide. All other sections of this record are viewable by clicking on the index in the left column, or by clicking on "Display all Sections" in the "Content Manager".

To find other Davis's Drug Guide topics, please login or purchase a subscription.