| Table 2: FDA-Approved Oral Medications | ||
| Medication Class | Medications | Mechanism of Action2,6 |
| Sulfonylureas | Glipizide*
(Glucotrol®, Glucotrol® XL) Glyburide* (Diabeta®, Micronase®) Glimepiride* (Amaryl®) |
Increases reactivity of the pancreas to blood glucose concentrations resulting in an increased secretion of insulin |
| Biguanides | Metformin* (Glucophage®, Glucophage® XR, Fortamet®) |
Reduces the amount of glucose that is produced hepaticallyIncreases the ability of liver and muscle to utilize insulin |
| Thiazolidinediones | Rosiglitazone*
(Avandia®) Pioglitazone* (Actos®) |
Increases the sensitivity of muscle, liver, and adipose tissue to insulin |
| Meglitinides | Nateglinide
(Starlix®) Repaglinide (Prandin®) |
Produces an increase in insulin secretion with short onset (15-30 min) and duration (4-6 hrs) |
| α-Glucosidase Inhibitors | Acarbose*
(Precose®) Miglitol (Glyset®) |
Blocks the action of α-glucosidase, an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates in the small intestine, resulting in decreased glucose peaks after meals |
| Combination Products | Glipizide/Metformin
(MetaglipTM)
Glyburide/Metformin (Glucovance®) Rosiglitazone/Metformin (Avandamet®) |
Combines the action of each representative class |
FDA: Food and Drug Administration
* Included on The Cleveland Clinic Foundation's Formulary of Accepted Drugs
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