For many people with diabetes, insulin injections are not necessary. There are several alternative treatments on the market for people with less severe cases of diabetes. Sulfonylureas are one of these diabetes medications that can be taken by some diabetics in place of insulin injections. Sulfonylureas have actually been in use as diabetes medications since the 1950s. The main difference between the first generation sulfonylureas and the second generation sulfonylureas is that the latter can usually be taken in lower doses with the same effects.

Four First Generation Sulfonylureas
1. Acetohexamide
This drug has typically been marketed under the brand name "Dymelor." You can usually expect this sulfonylureas drug to begin working in the body in about an hour. Acetohexamide will continue working for as long as 12 hours. The daily dosage of this drug is typically no more than 1.5 grams. The individual pills are typically 250 milligram or 500 milligram. One of the potential side effects of taking this drug is poor kidney function.
2. Tolbutamide
This drug has typically been marketed under the brand name "Orinase." It is the only type of sulfonylureas drug that has a short-acting effect. The liver is able to break tolbutamide down very quickly. It is typically out of your system within 10 hours. The pills are usually found in doses of either 250 milligrams or 500 milligrams. This drug is usually prescribed to the elderly because it works quickly and safely. Tolbutamide should be taken before eating.
3. Chlorpropamide
Chlorpropamide is usually marketed under the brand names "Glucamide" and "Diabinase." This is a very long-acting sulfonylureas drug. Some people have suffered hypoglycemia as a result of misusing chlorpropamide. Chlorpropamide can be a tricky medication to take because it continues working for more than 24 hours. It also carries with it some risk of kidney problems. Many chemicals from chlorpropamide must be eliminated through the urine. Chlorpropamide pills are usually found in dosages of either 100 milligrams or 250 milligrams.
4. Tolamide
Tolamide is usually marketed under the brand name "Tolinase." This is another long-acting sulfonylureas drug. It continues to work for about 20 hours. However, tolamide may not begin working until four hours after taking it. Tolamide is eliminated through urination. As a result, some people may have kidney problems while taking this sulfonylureas drug. Tolamide is typically dispensed in dosages of 100 milligrams, 250 milligrams or 500 milligrams.