Sulfonylurea

Stimulates beta cells to release more insulin

Chlorpropamide

Diabinese

Pfizer

10/58

Generally taken one to two times daily, before meals; can have interactions with other drugs. First generation sulfonylurea (older drug)

Glipizide

Glucotrol

Pfizer

5/84

Second generation used in smaller doses than first generation

Glyburide

DiaBeta/ Micronase/Glynase

Aventis, Pharmacia and Upjohn

5/84

Glimepiride

Amaryl

Meglitinide

Works with similar action to sulfonylureas

Repaglinide

Prandin

Novo Nordisk

12/97

Taken before each of three meals

Nateglinide

Works with similar action to sulfonylureas

Nateglinide

Starlix

Novartis

12/00

Taken before each of three meals

Biguanide

Sensitizes the body to the insulin already present

Metformin

Glucophage

Bristol Myers Squibb

3/95

Taken two times daily with food for best results

Metformin (long lasting)

Glucophage XR

Bristol Myers Squibb

10/00

Metformin with glyburide

Glucovance

Thiazolidinedione (Glitazone)

Helps insulin work better in muscle and fat; lowers insulin resistance

Rosiglitazone

Avandia

SmithKline Beecham (now GlaxoSmithKline)

5/99

Taken once or twice daily with food; very rare but serious effect on liver

Pioglitazone

Actos

Takeda Pharmaceuticals

7/99

Alpha-Glucose Inhibitor

Slows or blocks the breakdown of starches and certain sugars; action slows the rise in blood sugar levels following a meal

Acarbose

Precose

Bayer

9/95

Should be taken with first bite of meal

Miglitol

Glyset

Pharmacia and Upjohn

12/96