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Before taking chlorpropamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other sulfonylurea drugs (e.g., tolbutamide); or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain metabolic condition (diabetic ketoacidosis). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid problems, poor diet, irregular eating patterns, certain hormonal conditions (adrenal/pituitary insufficiency, SIADH-syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone), mineral imbalance (low sodium blood level). You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar levels; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication because it can increase the risk of developing hypoglycemia. Also alcohol can interact with chlorpropamide and cause a serious reaction (disulfiram-like reaction) with symptoms such as facial flushing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or stomach pain. During times of stress, such as fever, infection, injury or surgery, it may be more difficult to control your blood sugar. Consult your doctor, as a change in your medication or how often you test your blood sugar may be required. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, or sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially low blood sugar and fluid/mineral imbalance. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. It is not recommended for use for at least 1 month before delivery because it may cause low blood sugar in the newborn. Your doctor may substitute insulin for this drug during your pregnancy. Follow all instructions carefully. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while taking this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), beta-blockers -- including glaucoma eye drops (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol, timolol), "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), bupropion, certain herbal drugs (fenugreek, ginseng, gymnema), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), sulfa drugs (e.g., sulfamethoxazole), drugs that may decrease your blood sugar levels (e.g., high-dose salicylates), drugs that may increase your blood sugar levels (including corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone or prednisone, diet pills, niacin, "water pills"/diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide, protease inhibitors such as ritonavir or saquinavir, certain anti-psychotic drugs such as clozapine or olanzapine). Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many contain pain relievers/fever reducers (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin) which may increase your risk of hypoglycemia. Low-dose aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually these dosages are 81-325 milligrams per day), should be continued. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of these drugs.
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