Sulfonylureas are a class of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes by stimulating insulin secretion from the pancreas. They work by binding to potassium channels on beta cells, which triggers the release of calcium and subsequently insulin. Hypoglycemia is a major side effect, especially with long-acting sulfonylureas, so short-acting alternatives like glipizide are preferred. Sulfonylureas should also be avoided in patients with kidney, liver, or gastrointestinal issues. Precautions include monitoring blood sugar levels closely, wearing medical identification, avoiding excess sunlight exposure, and informing providers of all medications due to potential drug interactions.

1. Advanced Pharmacology Assignment Paper
Advanced Pharmacology Assignment PaperSulfonylureas (SUs) are a hallmark of Diabetes
Mellitus Type 2 (DM2) treatment and have been the critical pharmacological solution for a
long time. SUs are defined as insulin secretagogue agents since they induce insulin secretion
in pancreatic β-cells. They attach to the SUR1, a component of the potassium ATP-
dependent receptor on the β-cells plasma membrane. Binding of SUs contributes to the
closure of the receptor and eventual depolarization of the membrane, which triggers the
opening of calcium receptors of voltage-dependent type C L. The calcium influx that
happens contributes to a rise in intracellular calcium, which causes insulin granules
exocytosis (Seino et al., 2017). Some evidence from various studies shows that, through
alleviating cerebral edema and reducing hemorrhagic transformation, SUs enhance health
in patients with ischemic stroke. The use of SUs in diabetic patients with stroke tends to
reduce perihematomal edema and intracerebral hemorrhage while decreasing inpatient
mortality Advanced Pharmacology Assignment Paper.ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER
HEREDespite the marked effectiveness, sulfonylurea has special considerations.
Hypoglycemia is the primary side-effect of these medications, and the risk of this condition
is particularly high in the aged and with long-acting sulfonylureas, like glyburide and
chlorpropamide (Manta & Peppa, 2019). Consequently, the ADA suggests the usage of
shorter-acting medications, – for example, glipizide, should be administered at low starting
doses. Besides, sulfonylurea use should be discouraged in patients with dysfunctional
gastrointestinal, cardiac or renal in patients after a hospital stay, those who abuse alcohol or
are undernourished. Lastly, when taking sulfonylurea, patients should be advised not to
skip meals. Hypoglycemia caused by sulfonylurea can be intense and persistent and may be
challenging to control. Patients with sulfonylurea-induced hypoglycemia may need
admission and glucose treatment before the sulfonylurea impact has decreased (Henquin,
2017). Insulin hypersecretion caused by sulfonylureas may be strongly inhibited with either
the analog octreotide somatostatin or diazoxide Advanced Pharmacology Assignment
Paper.There are several precautions to be taken in administering sulfonylureas. First, those
with diabetic ketoacidosis (a dangerous disease that can arise when elevated blood sugar is
left untreated) or type 1 diabetes should not take sulfonylureas (Cheung & Ma, 2016).
Individuals with kidney or liver disorders cannot use sulfonylureas, as well. If this is an
issue, patients should speak to their physicians regarding this. Certain sulfonylureas can
increase skin sensitivity to sunlight. Patients should, therefore, be advised to stay away
from unnecessary sunlight exposure and to wear protective clothing and sunscreen when

2. outdoors. Since sulfonylureas usually induce fluctuations in blood sugar levels, the
symptoms of low or high blood sugar should be recognized by patients and know what to do
if they encounter them. Additionally, while one is taking a sulfonylurea, physicians may
likely want to check urine sugar and blood sugar levels quite often. Thus the diabetic
patients taking sulfonylurea should maintain all consultations with the physician's
laboratory or office. Diabetic patients should think about wearing a diabetic ID bracelet to
make sure they get appropriate care in an emergency. It is also essential to let your health
care provider know you are taking sulfonylurea before getting any medical procedure, such
as a dental procedure. Lastly, patients should inform their care providers of any
prescription, non-prescription, illicit, herbal, dietary, recreational, or nutritional medicines
they are taking prior to commencing sulfonylurea drugs Advanced Pharmacology
Assignment Paper.ReferencesCheung, B. M., & Ma, R. C. (2016). 28 Drug Therapy: Special
Considerations in Diabetes. Textbook of Diabetes, 385.Henquin, J. C. (2017).
Misunderstandings and controversies about the insulin-secreting properties of antidiabetic
sulfonylureas. Biochimie, 143, 3-9.Manta, A., & Peppa, M. (2019). Sulfonylureas as treatment
choice in Diabetes Mellitus: Where are we now?. Diabetes, 5, 1-3.Seino, S., Sugawara, K.,
Yokoi, N., & Takahashi, H. (2017). β‐Cell signalling and insulin secretagogues: A path for
improved diabetes therapy. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 19, 22-29.Session 5
Assignment (25 points): For session assignments, each student is to choose one of the topic
options below and write a 300-word evidence-based summary to include topic specific
pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, special considerations, and precautions. Include
a minimum of 2 resources (i.e. research, EBP, clinical guidelines). Post to the session
discussion (faculty will evaluate assignments directly from the session discussion). The
summary is due to be posted to the session discussion by midnight the first Sunday of the
session. Refer to Session Assignment Rubric and Guidelines. Choose 1 of the following topic
option and post summary by midnight July 19: An agent utilized for treatment of ADHD,
dementia, pain, migraines, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, depression, anxiety, psychosis, or
substance abuse; or A CNS agent or psychotropic agent with focus on a special population;
or Agent utilized in endocrine disorders such as diabetes mellitus or thyroid disorders
Advanced Pharmacology Assignment Paper