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. Do 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. Caution patient to avoid skipping meals

• Instruct patient in proper testing of serum glucose and urine 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. Caution patient to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known

• Caution patient to avoid other medications, especially aspirin and alcohol, while on this therapy without consulting health care professional

• Concurrent use of alcohol may cause a disulfiram-like reaction (abdominal cramps, nausea, flushing, headaches, and hypoglycemia)

• Insulin is the preferred method of controlling blood sugar during pregnancy. Counsel female patients to use a form of contraception other than oral 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, weakness, sore throat, rash, or unusual bleeding or bruising occurs

• Emphasize the importance of routine follow-up examinations

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