Comparative study of glibenclamide & chlorpropamide in newly diagnosed maturity onset diabetics

The clinical effectiveness of glibenclamide and chlorpropamide was compared in 107, uncomplicated, newly diagnosed maturity onset diabetics. The glibenclamide and chlorpropamide groups comprised of 49 and 58 patients respectively and were highly comparable. After a follow up period ranging from 6 months to 2-1/2 years, the failure rate in glibenclamide treated patients was 22.5% and 12% in those taking chlorpropamide. The changes in weight were similar and both drugs were devoid of serious toxic effects in the dosage prescribed. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia were seen in 2 patients on glibenclamide, while 3 patients in each group showed a modest rise of transaminases without any other evidence of liver damage.