Paper II
2018 February (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

Classify oral hypoglycemic drugs. Explain the mechanism of action, uses and side effects of sulfonylureas. (2+2+1+1)

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Answer

Classification of oral hypoglycaemic drugs

  • Sulfonylureas: Glibenclamide, Glimepiride
  • Biguanides: Metformin
  • Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors: Acarbose
  • Thiazolidinediones: Pioglitazone
  • DPP-4 inhibitors: Sitagliptin
  • SGLT2 inhibitors: Dapagliflozin

Mechanism of action of sulfonylureas

  • Bind to SUR1 subunit of ATP-sensitive K⁺ channels on pancreatic β-cells, causing channel closure, membrane depolarization, calcium influx, and increased insulin secretion (insulin secretagogues)
  • Require functioning β-cells to be effective

Uses

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus, particularly non-obese patients with residual β-cell function

Adverse effects

  • Hypoglycaemia (most important, especially with glibenclamide)
  • Weight gain
  • GI upset
  • Hypersensitivity reactions

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