The Clinical Usefulness of Orally Administered Hypoglycemic Agents

Abstract

The three orally administered hypoglycemic agents currently available in the United States are tolbutamide, chlorpropamide and phenformin.

When effective, these compounds reduce blood glucose levels, quantitatively reduce glycosuria, and reduce the net hepatic glucose output.

Tolbutamide appears to be effective in older patients with mild diabetes; chlorpropamide seems the treatment of choice in more severe cases. Phenformin may be used alone or as an adjunct to insulin therapy. Generally, side effects are sufficiently mild to be counteracted by cessation or reduced dosage of the drugs. In some cases, however, severe and irreversible damage has occurred.