There is no well documented experience with GLUCOTROL overdosage. The acute
oral toxicity was extremely low in all species tested (LD 50 greater than 4 g/kg).
Overdosage of sulfonylureas including GLUCOTROL can produce hypoglycemia. Mild hypoglycemic
symptoms without loss of consciousness or neurologic findings should be treated aggressively
with oral glucose and adjustments in drug dosage and/or meal patterns. Close monitoring
should continue until the physician is assured that the patient is out of danger.
Severe hypoglycemic reactions with coma, seizure, or other neurological impairment
occur infrequently, but constitute medical emergencies requiring immediate
hospitalization. If hypoglycemic coma is diagnosed or suspected, the patient
should be given a rapid intravenous injection of concentrated (50%) glucose
solution. This should be followed by a continuous infusion of a more dilute
(10%) glucose solution at a rate that will maintain the blood glucose at a
level above 100 mg/dL. Patients should be closely monitored for a minimum
of 24 to 48 hours since hypoglycemia may recur after apparent clinical recovery.
Clearance of GLUCOTROL from plasma would be prolonged in persons with liver
disease. Because of the extensive protein binding of GLUCOTROL, dialysis is unlikely
to be of benefit.