Glibenclamide

Glibenclamide is an oral hypoglycemic drug belonging to the group sulphonyl ureas. It is a second generation sulphonyl urea. Other sulphonyl ureas include – glipizide, gliclazide and glimiperide.

Mechanism of action

It acts by increasing the release of insulin from the pancreatic beta cells. Glibenclamide acts by binding to sulphonyl urea receptor of the ATP sensitive potassium channel in the pancreatic beta cells. This reduces conductivity of the channel, which causes depolarisation of the pancreatic beta cells, resulting in the opening of voltage sensitive calcium channels. Opening of the channels cause calcium influx which leads to release of insulin.