Which Drugs Affect Blood Glucose Levels? - 443 OTC & Prescription Meds (2023)

What drugs affect glucose levels? Many can, including steroids, anxiety and depression medications, statins, beta-blockers, some acne & asthma medications.

Knowing which drugs affect blood glucose levels is essential in properly caring for your diabetes patients. Some medicines raise blood sugar in patients while others might lower their levels. However, not all drugs affect patients the same way.

443 Drugs that can Affect Blood Glucose Levels is also available as a downloadable PDF.

Last Revised: 04/5/2020

Table of Contents:

Drugs that May Cause Hyperglycemia

Drugs that May Cause Hypoglycemia

Drugs that May Cause Hyper- or Hypoglycemia

Drugs that Mask Hypoglycemia

DiabetesinControl 2020©

Drugs That May Cause Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar)

Abacavir (Ziagen®)

Abacavir + lamivudine, zidovudine (Trizivir®)

Abacavir + dolutegravir + lamivudine (Triumeq®)

Abiraterone (Zytiga®)

Acetazolamide (Diamox®)

Acitretin (Soriatane®)

Albuterol (Ventolin®, Proventil®)

Albuterol + ipratropium (Combivent®)

Alectinib (Alecensa®)

Aliskiren + amlodipine + hydrochlorothiazide (Amturnide®)

Aliskiren + amlodipine (Tekamlo®)Ammonium chloride

Amphotericin B (Amphocin®, Fungizone®)

Amphotericin B lipid formulations IV (Abelcet®)

Amprenavir (Agenerase®)

Anidulafungin (Eraxis®)

Aripiprazole (Abilify®)

Arsenic trioxide (Trisenox®)

Asenapine (Saphris)

Asparaginase (Elspar®, Erwinaze®)

Atazanavir (Reyataz ®)

Atazanavir + cobistat (Evotaz®)

Atenolol + chlorthalidone (Tenoretic®)

Atorvastatin (Lipitor®)

Atovaquone (Mepron®)

Baclofen (Lioresal®)

Belatacept (Nulojix®)Benazepril + hydrochlorothiazide (Lotension®)

Betamethasone topical (Alphatrex®, Betatrex®, Beta-Val®, Diprolene®, Diprolene® AF, Diprolene® Lotion, Luxiq®, Maxivate®)

Drugs That May Cause Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar) – Continued

Betamethasone +clotrimazole (Lotrisone® topical)

Betaxolol Betoptic® eyedrops, (Kerlone® oral)

Bexarotene (Targretin®)

Bicalutamide (Casodex®)

Bisoprolol + hydrochlorothiazide (Ziac®)

Brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris®)

Budesonide (Uceris®)

Bumetanide (Bumex®)

Caffeine (Caffeine in moderation may be beneficial in diabetes, but in large amounts can raise blood sugar.)

Calcipotriene + betamethasone (Enstillar®)

Candesartan + hydrochlorothiazide (Atacand HCT®)Captopril + hydrochlorothiazide (Capozide®)

Carfilzomib (Kyprolis®)

Cariprazine (Vraylar)

Carteolol (Cartrol® oral, Occupress® eyedrops)

Carvedilol (Coreg®)

Caspofungin (Cancidas)

Ceftaroline (Teflaro®)

Ceftozolane + tazobactam (Zerbaxa)

Ceritinib (Zykadia)

Chlorothiazide (Diuril®)

Chlorthalidone (Chlorthalidone Tablets®, Clorpres®, Tenoretic®, Thalitone®)

Choline salicylate (Numerous tradenames of aspirin formulations; check the label)

Choline salicylate + magnesium salicylate (CMT®, Tricosal®, Trilisate®)

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

Clobetasol (Clobevate®, Cormax®, Cormax® Scalp Application, Embeline® E, Olux®, Temovate®, Temovate® E, Temovate® Scalp Application)

Clozapine (Clozaril®, FazaClo®)

Conjugated estrogens (Estrace®, Estring®, Femring®, Premarin®, Vagifem®, Cenestin®, Enjuvia®, Estrace®, Femtrace®, Gynodiol®, Menest®, Ogen®)

Conjugated estrogens + bazedoxifene (Duavee®)

Conjugated estrogens + medroxyprogesterone (Premphase®, Prempro®)

Corticosteroids (Numerous tradenames; check the label)

Corticotropin

Cortisone (Numerous tradenames; check the label)

Crizotinib (Xalkori)

Cyclosporine (Sandimmune®, Neoral®, Gengraf®)

Dabrafenib (Tafiniar®)

Daclizumab (Zenapax®)

Darunavir (Prezista)

Darunavir + cobistat (Prezcobix®)

Decitabine (Dacogen®)

Desonide (DesOwen®, Tridesilon®)

Desoximetasone (Topicort®)

Dexamethasone (Adrenocot®, Dalalone®, Decadron®, Decaject®, Dekasol®, Dexacort®, Dexasone®, Dexim®, Dexone®, Hexadrol®, Medidex®, Primethasone®, Solurex®, Dexamethasone Intensol®)

Dextromethorphan + promethazine (Phenergan® with Dextromethorphan, Phen- TussDM®)

Diazoxide (Proglycem®)

Dinutuximab (Unituxin®)

Dolutegravir (Tivicay®)

Enalapril + hydrochlorothiazide (Vaseretic®)Encainide (Enkaid®)

Ephedrine and Guaifenesin (Primatene ® tablets, otc – this medication includes ephedrine and guaifenesin. Guaifenesin is not responsible for hyperglycemia )

Epinephrine (EpiPen ®, EpiPen® Jr, Primatene® Mist, otc)

Esterified estrogens, estrone, estropipate

Esterified estrogens + methyltestosterone (Estratest®)

Estradiol, ethinyl estradiol (Alora®, Climara®, Congest®, Delestrogen®, Depo-Estradiol®, Depogen®, Estinyl®, Estrace®, Estraderm®, Estragyn 5®, Estragyn LA 5®, Estrasorb®, EstroGel®, Estro-L.A.®, Gynodiol®, Kestrone-

5®, Neo-Estrone®, Menest®, Menostar®, Ogen .625®, Ogen®, Ortho-Est®, Premarin®, Valergen®, Vivelle®, Vivelle-Dot®)

Estradiol + norethindrone (Activella®)

(Video) Pharmacology - DRUGS FOR DIABETES (MADE EASY)

Estradiol + norgestimate (Prefest®)

Estramustine (Emcyt®)

Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin®, Sodium Edecrin®)

Etravirine (Intelence)

Everolimus (Afinitor®, Zortress®)

Everolimus (Zortress®)

Ezetimibe, Atorvastatin (Liptruzet®)

Fidaxomicin (Dificid®)

Fluconazole (Diflucan)

Fluticasone (Arnuity Ellipta®)

Fluticasone + vilanterol (Breo Elipta®)

Fluoxetine (Prozac®, Sarafem®)

Flurandrenolide (Cordran®, Cordran® SP, Cordran® Tape)

Fluvastatin (Lescol, Lescol XR)

Formoterol (Foradil® Aerolizer® Inhaler)

Fosamprenavir (Lexiva ®)

Fosinopril + hydrochlorothiazide (Monopril HCT®)

Furosemide (Lasix®)

Gabapentin (Gralise®, Horizant®)

Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (Mylotarg®)

Glucosamine (Possible increase in insulin resistance; more likely with intravenous use)

Glycopyrrolate (Cuvposa®)

Hydrochlorothiazide (Aldactazide®, Aldoril®, Capozide®, Dyazide®, HydroDIURIL®, Inderide®, Lopressor® HCT, Maxzide®, Microzide®, Moduretic®, Timolide®, Vaseretic®)

Hydrochlorothiazide + irbesartan (Avalide®)

Hydrochlorothiazide + lisinopril (Prinzide®, Zestoretic®)

Hydrochlorothiazide + losartan (Hyzaar®)

Drugs That May Cause Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar) – Continued

Hydrochlorothiazide + metoprolol (Lopressor HCT®)

Hydrochlorothiazide + moexipril (Uniretic®)

Hydrochlorothiazide + quinapril (Accuretic®, Quinaretic®)

Hydrochlorothiazide + telmisartan (Micardis HCT®)

Hydrochlorothiazide + valsartan (Diovan HCT®)

Hydrocortisone (Numerous trade names of topical hydrocortisone formulations; check the label)

Iloperidone (Fanapt)

Indacaterol (Arcapta®)

Indapamide (Lozol®)

Indinavir (Crixivan®)

Interferon alfa-2a (Roferon-A®)

Interferon alfa-2b (Intron-A®)

Interferon alfa-2b + ribavirin (Rebetron®)

Interferon alfa-n1 (Alferon-N®)

Irinotecan (Camptosar®)

Isavuconazonium sulfate (Cresemba)

Isoniazid (Laniazid®, Nydrazid®)

Isotretinoin (Accutane®)

Itraconazole (Sporanox, Sporanox PuslePak, Tolsura)

Ketoconazole (Nizoral)

Liothyronine (Cytomel®)

Lamivudine (Epivir®, Epivir-HBV®)

Levalbuterol (Xoponex®, Xopenex HFA®)

Levonorgestrel (Plan B®, Norplant System®)

Levothyroxine (Synthroid®, Levoxyl®)

Lisinopril + Hydrochlorothiazide

Lopinavir + ritonavir (Kaletra®)

Lovastatin (Altoprev, Mevacor)

Lucinactant (Surfaxin®)

Lurasidone (Latuda®)

Magnesium salicylate (Bayer Select® Backache Pain Formula, Doans® Pills, Mobidin®, Nuprin® Backache Caplet)

Medroxyprogesterone (Provera®, Depo-Provera®)

Megestrol (Megace®)

Drugs That May Cause Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar) – Continued

Methylprednisolone (A-methaPred®, ADD-Vantage®, Depo-Medrol®, Medrol®,
Medrol® Dosepak, Meprolone® Unipak, Solu-Medrol®)

Metolazone (Zaroxolyn®, Mykrox®)

Metoprolol (Lopressor®, Lopressor® HCT, Toprol XL®)

Micafungin (Mycamine)

Modafinil (Provigil®)

Momentasone furoate + formoterol fumarate dihydrate (Dulera®)

Moxifloxacin (Avelox®, Avelox® I.V.)

Mycophenolate (CellCept®)

Nadolol (Corgard®)

Nelfinavir (Viracept®)

Netupitant + palonosetron (Akynzo®)

Niacin, niacinamide (Niacor®, Niaspan®, Nicolar®, Nicotinex®, Slo-Niacin®)

Nilotinib (Tasigna®)

Nilutamide (Nilandron®)

Nitric oxide (INOmax®)

Nivolumab (Opdivo®)

Norethindrone (Aygestin®, Nor-QD®, Micronor®)

Norgestrel (Orvette®)

Nystatin (Mycostatin®, Nystat-Rx®, Nystop®, Pedi-Dri®)

Nystatin + triamcinolone (Dermacomb®, Myco II®, Mycobiotic II®, Mycogen II®,
Mycolog II®, Myco-Triacet II®, Mykacet®, Mykacet II®, Mytrex®, Tristatin II®)

Octreotide (Sandostatin®, Sandostatin LAR®)

Olanzapine (Zyprexa®)

Olaparib (Lynparza®)

Olmesartan + amlodipine + hydrochlorothiazide (Tribenzor®)

Oxybutynin (Anturol®)

Oxycodone (Oxecta®)

Paliperidone (Invega, Invega Sustenna, Invega Trinza)

Panobinostat (Farydak®)

Pantoprazole (Protonix®, Protonix® I.V.)

Drugs That May Cause Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar) – Continued

Pegaspargase (Oncaspar®)

Peginterferon alfa-2b (PEG-Intron®, Sylatron®)

(Video) Hyperkalemia - 11 drugs that increase your potassium levels

Pembrolizumab (Keytrenda®)

Pentamidine (Pentam 300®)

Peramivir (Rapivab®)

Perindopril + amlodipine (Prestalia®)

Phenylephrine* (Sudafed PE®, and others)

Phenytoin (Dilantin®, Dilantin-125®, Dilantin Infatabs®, Dilantin Kapseals®, Phenytek®)

Pitavastatin (Livalo, Zypitamag)

Pomalidomide (Pomalyst®)

Posaconazole (Noxafil)

Pravastatin (Pravachol)

Prednisolone (AK-Pred®, Blephamide®, Blephamide®, Liquifilm®, Econopred® Plus, Inflamase® Forte, Inflamase® Mild, Poly-Pred® Liquifilm®, Pred Forte®, Pred Mild®, Pred-G®, Pred-G® Liquifilm®, Delta Cortef®, Pediapred®, Prelone®)

Prednisone (Prednisone Intensol®, Sterapred®, Sterapred® DS, Rayos DR®)

Progesterone (Prometrium®)

Pseudoephedrine* (Claritin D®, Sudafed®, and others)

Quetiapine (Seroquel®)

Risperidone (Risperdal®, Risperdal® M-TAB®)

* many other OTC and prescription medications contain pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine.

Ritodrine (Yutopar®)

Ritonavir (Norvir®)

Rituximab (Rituxan®)

Rosuvastatin (Crestor)

Salmeterol (Serevent®, Serevent® Diskus®)

Salsalate (Argesic®-SA, Disalcid®, Mono-Gesic®, Salflex®, Salsitab®)

Saquinavir (Invirase®)

Simvastatin (Zocor)

Simvastatin + ezetimibe (Vytorin)

Sodium oxybate (Xyrem®)

Somatropin (Genotropin®, Genotropin Miniquick®, Humatrope®, Norditropin artridges®, Norditropin NordiFlex®, Nutropin®, Nutropin AQ®, Saizen®, Serostim®, Zorbtive®)

Drugs That May Cause Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar) – Continued

Sonidegib (Odomzo®)

Sotalol (Betapace®, Betapace AF®, Sorine®)

Stavudine (Zerit)

Streptozocin (Zanosar®)

Tacrolimus (Prograf®, Protopic®)

Temsirolimus (Torisel®)

Tesamorelin (Egrifta®)

Thyroid (Armour Thyroid®, Naturethroid®)

Tiotropium + Olodaterol (Stiolto Respimat®)

Tipranavir (Aptivus®)

Tolvaptan (Samsca®)

Torsemide (Demadex®, Demadex Oral®)

Trametinib (Mekinist®)

Triamcinolone (Aristocort®, Aristospan®, Asthmacort®, Flutex®, Kenalog®, Tac®, Triacet®)

Umeclidium + vilanterol (Anoro Ellipta®)

Ursodeoxycholic acid, ursodiol (Actigall®, Urso®)

Valproic acid, divalproex sodium (Depacon®, Depakene®, Depakene® Syrup, Depakote®, Depakote® ER, Depakote® Sprinkle)

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid, Ascorbate)

Vitamin E (Tocopherol, Tocotrienol)

Voriconazole (Vfend)

Zidovudine (Retrovir)

Ziprasidone (Geodone®)

Zolpidem (Intermezzo®)

Drugs That May Cause Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Acebutolol (Sectral®)

Acetohexamide (Dymelor®)

Albiglutide (Tanzeum®)

Alcohol

Albiglutide (Tanzeum)

Aloe – Oral Herbal Supplement, especially if taken with other agents such as glyburide, glipizide, nateglinide, repaglinide, glimepiride, or insulin.

Alogliptin (Nesina®)

Alogliptin/pioglitazone (Oseni®)

Alogliptin/metformin (Kazano®)

Amphotericin B (Ambisome®, Amphocin®, Fungizone Intravenous® Amphotec®, Abelcet®)

Amphotericin B lipid formulations (Abelcet®, AmBisome®)

Aripiprazole (Aristada®)Asian Ginseng (Ginseng; Panax ginseng)

Aspirin (Numerous tradenames; check the label)

Aspirin + dipyridamole (Aggrenox®)

Atenolol (Tenormin®, Tenoretic® containing atenolol & chlorthalidone)

Benazepril (Lotensin)

Betaxolol (Betoptic®, Betoptic S® eyedrops, Kerlone® oral)

Bisoprolol (Zebeta®)

Bisoprolol + hydrochlorothiazide (Ziac®)

Brexpiprazole (Rexulti®)

Bromocriptine (Cycloset®)

Canagliflozin (Invokana®)

Canagliflozin + metformin (Invokamet®)

Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin®)

Chlorpropamide (Diabinese®)

Choline salicylate (Acuprin 81®, Amigesic®, Anacin Caplets®, Anacin Maximum Strength®, Anacin Tablets®, Anaflex 750® Arthritis Pain, Ascriptin® Arthritis Pain)

Drugs That May Cause Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) – Continued

Choline salicylate + magnesium salicylate C (MT®, Tricosal®, Trilisate®)

Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin, Econochlor, Ocu-Chlor)Chloroquine (Aralen)

Chromium (Various tradenames; check the label)

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

Clarithromycin B (Biaxin® Filmtab®, Biaxin® Granules, Biaxin® XL, Filmtab,
Biaxin® XL Pac, Prevpac®)

Clofibrate (Atromid-S)

Colesevelam (Welchol)

Dalbavancin (Dalvance®)

Dapagliflozin (Farxiga®)

Dapagliflozin + Metformin (Xigduo XR®)

Diazoxide (Proglycem®)

Dicumarol (Coumadin®, Miradon®)

Diltiazem (Cardizem®, Tiazac®)

(Video) The Foods That Help Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Disopyramide (Norpace®, Norpace® CR)

Dorzolamide + timolol (Cosopt®)

Doxepin (Silenor®)

Dulaglutide (Trulicity®)

Empagliflozin (Jardiance®)

Empagliflozin/linagliptin (Glyxambi®)

Empagliflozin + metformin (Synjardy®)

Enalapril (Vasotec)

Ertugliflozin ( Steglatro)

Ertugliflozin + metformin (Segluromet)

Ertugliflozin + metformin + linagliptin (Trijardy)

Esmolol (Brevibloc)

Exenatide (Byetta®, Bydureon®)

Fluoxetine (Prozac®, Sarafem®)

Fosphenytoin (Cerebyx®, Dilantin®, Dilantin-125®, Dilantin Infatabs®, Dilantin Kapseals®, Mesantoin®, Peganone®, Phenytek®)

Gatifloxacin (Gatiflo, Tequin, Zymar)

Glimepiride (Amaryl®)

Glimepiride and Rosiglitazone (Avandaryl®)

Glimepiride + pioglitazone (Duetact)

Glipizide (Glucotrol®, Glucotrol XL®)

Glipizide and Metformin (Metaglip®)

Glucagon (GlucaGen®)

Glyburide (Diabeta®, Glynase®, Micronase®, Glycron®)

Glyburide + metformin (Glucovance®)

Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)

Drugs That May Cause Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) – Continued

Hydrochlorothiazide + metoprolol (Lopressor HCT®)

Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)

Indomethacin (Indocin)

Insulin (Lantus®, Levemir®, NPH®, Humulin®, Novolin®, Apidra®, Novolog®, Humalog®, Tresiba®, Afrezza®- inhaled, Abasaglar®, Ryzodeg®, Xultophy®- not FDA approved, Toujeo®, Locemia®- not FDA approved, V-go®)

Interferon beta-1b (Betaseron®)

Isavuconazonium (Cresemba®)

ITCA 650®- Not FDA approved

Lenvatinib (Lenvima®)

Levobunolol (AKBeta, Betagan, Vistagan)

Levofloxacin (Levaquin®, Levaquin® in Dextrose Injection Premix, Quixin®)

Linagliptin (Tradjenta®)

Linagliptin + empagliflozin (Glyxambi)

Linagliptin + metformin (Jentadueto®, Jentadueto XR)

Liraglutide (Victoza®, Saxenda®)

Liraglutide + insulin degludec (Xultophy)

Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril, Qbrelis)

Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)

Lixisenatide (Lyxumia®)- currently approved in Europe

Lixisenatide/ insulin Glargine (Soliqua®)-

Lorcaserin (Belviq®)

Magnesium salicylate (Bayer Select® Backache Pain Formula, Doans® Pills, Mobidin®, Nuprin® Backache Caplet)

Metformin (Fortamet®, Glucophage®, Glucophage XR®, Glumetza®, Riomet®)

Metipranolol (Optipranolol)

metreleptin (Myalept®)

Metoprolol (Lopressor®, Lopressor® HCT, Toprol XL®)

Metreleptin (Myalept®)

Mifepristone (Korlym®)

Morphine (Kadian®, MS Contin®, MSIR®, Roxanol®)

Moxifloxacin (Avelox)

Nadolol (Corgard®)

Nateglinide (Starlix®)

Nebivolol (Bystolic)

Nifedipine (Adalat CC®, Procardia®, Afeditab ® CR)

Nivolumab (Opdivo®)

Norfloxacin (Noroxin)

Octreotide (Sandostatin®, Sandostatin LAR® Depot)

Ofloxacin (Oxuflox)

Oritavancin (Orbactiv®)

Drugs That May Cause Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) – Continued

Paliperidone (Invega®)

Penicillamine (Cuprimine®, Depen®)

Pentamidine (Nebupent®, Pentam 300®)

Phenelzine (Nardil®)

Phenytoin (Dilantin®, Dilantin-125®, Dilantin Infatabs®, Dilantin Kapseals®, Phenytek®)

Pindolol (Visken®)

Pioglitazone (Actos®) –( hypoglycemia usually only when in combination with other diabetic drugs such as sulfonylureas or insulin)

Pioglitazone and Glimepiride (Duetact®) – the glimepiride component of this drug gives it the possibility of causing hypoglycemia alone or in combination with other diabetes medicines. This is more likely to occur when one skips a regular meal or when unusual physical activities occur.

Pioglitazone and Metformin (Actoplus Met®, ActoPlus Met XR®)

Pramlintide (Symlin®)

Pregabalin (Lyrica®)

Probenecid (Benemid®, Probalan®)

Propranolol (Inderal) Quinine (Quinamm®, Quindan®, Quiphile®, Q-vel®, Strema®)

Quinupristin + dalfopristin (Synercid®)

Repaglinide (Prandin®)

Repaglinide and Metformin (PrandiMet®)

Ritodrine (Yutopar®)

Rituximab (Rituxan®)

Rosiglitazone (Avandia®)

Rosiglitazone and Metformin (Avandamet®)

Rotigotine (Neupro®)

Salicylates (Numerous tradenames of aspirin formulations; check the label)

Salsalate (Argesic®-SA, Disalcid®, Mono-Gesic®, Salflex®, Salsitab®)

Saxagliptin (Onglyza®)

Saxagliptin + dapagliflozin (Qtern)

Drugs That May Cause Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) – Continued

Saxagliptin + metformin (Kombiglyze XR®)

Saxagliptin + metformin + dapagliflozin (Qternmet XR)

(Video) High Cholesterol - Do I Need To Take Medication?

Selegiline (Eldepryl®)

Semaglutide- (Ozempic, Rybelsus)

Sitagliptin (Januvia®)

Sitagliptin + ertugliflozin (Steglujan)

Sitagliptin and Metformin HCL (Janumet®, Janumet XR)

Sodium ferric gluconate complex (Ferrlecit®)

Somatropin (Genotropin®, Genotropin Miniquick®, Humatrope®, Norditropin cartridges®, Norditropin NordiFlex®, Nutropin, Nutropin AQ®, Saizen®, Serostim®, Zorbtive®)Sotalol (Betapace®, Betapace AF®, Sorine®)

Streptozocin (Zanosar®)

Sulfadiazine (Microsulfon®)

Tacrolimus P (Prograf®, Protopic®)

Tetracaine (Altacaine®, Tetcaine®, Pontocaine®)

Theophylline (Theo-24®, Theo-Dur®, TheoCap®)

Timolol (Timoptic®, Timoptic-XE®)

Tolazamide (Tolinase®)

Tolbutamide (Orinase®)

Topiramate (Topamax)

Tranylcypromine (Parnate®)Varenicline (Chantix®)

Verapamil (Calan®, Calan SR®, Isoptin SR®, Verelan®)

Drugs that can cause Hyper- or Hypoglycemia

Amphotericin B (Ambisome®, Amphocin®, Fungizone Intravenous® Amphotec®, Abelcet®)

Amphotericin B lipid formulations (Abelcet®, AmBisome®)

Avanafil (Stendra®)

Axitinib (Inlyta®)

Betaxolol Betoptic® eyedrops, (KERLONE® oral)

Bisoprolol + hydrochlorothiazide (Ziac®)

Choline salicylate (Numerous tradenames of aspirin formulations; check the label)

Choline salicylate + magnesium salicylate (CMT®, Tricosal®, Trilisate®)

Ciprofloxacin (Otiprio®)

Darunavir (Prezista®)

Diazoxide (Proglycem®)

Doxepin (Silenor®)

Elvitegravir + cobicistat + emtricitabine + tenofovir (Stribild®)

Emtricitabine + rilpivirine + tenofovir (Complera®)

Fentanyl (Abstral®, Lazanda®, Subsys®)

Fluoxetine (Prozac®, Sarafem®)

Hydrochlorothiazide + metoprolol (Lopressor HCT®)

Ivacaftor (Kalydeco®)

Lanreotide acetate (Somatuline®)

Lenalidomide (Revlimid®)

Lisinopril + Hydrochlorothiazide

Lithium (Eskalith®, Eskalith CR®, Lithobid®)

Magnesium salicylate (Bayer Select® Backache Pain Formula, Doans® Pills, Mobidin®, Nuprin® Backache Caplet)

Mecasermin (Increlex ®)

Mecasermin Rinfabate (Iplex ®)

Metoprolol (Lopressor®, Lopressor® HCT, Toprol XL®)

Nadolol (Corgard®)

Naproxen + esomeprazole (Vimovo®)

Drugs that can cause Hyper- or Hypoglycemia – Continued

Octreotide (Sandostatin®, Sandostatin LAR® Depot)

Omacetaxine (Synribo®)

Oxcarbazepine (Oxtellar XR®)

Oxycodone + acetaminophen (Xartemis®)

Pancrelipase (Ultresa®, Viokace®)

Paroxetine (Brisdelle®)

Pasireotide (Signifor®)

Pazopanib (Votrient ®)

Pentamidine (Nebupent®, Pentam 300®)

Phenytoin (Dilantin®, Dilantin-125®, Dilantin Infatabs®, Dilantin Kapseals®, Phenytek®)

Ponatinib

Rifampin (Rifadin®, Rimactane®)

Ritodrine (Yutopar®)

Rituximab (Rituxan®)

Salsalate (Argesic®-SA, Disalcid®, Mono-Gesic®, Salflex®, Salsitab®)

Sitagliptin + simvastatin (Juvisync®)

Sunitinib (Sutent®)

Somatropin (Genotropin®, Genotropin Miniquick®, Humatrope®, Norditropin cartridges®, Norditropin NordiFlex®, Nutropin®, Nutropin AQ®, Saizen®, Serostim®, Zorbtive®)

Sotalol (Betapace®, Betapace AF®, Sorine®)

Streptozocin (Zanosar®)

Sunitinib (Sutent®)

Pancrelipase (Pancreaze®)

Pasireotide (Signifor®)

Pegloticase (Krystexxa®)

Tacrolimus P (Prograf®, Protopic®)

Testosterone gel (Fortesta®)

Drugs that can cause Hyper- or Hypoglycemia – Continued

Testosterone (Aveed®, Natesto®, Vogelxo®)

Topiramate (Qudexy®)

Vandetanib (Vandetanib®)

Drugs that can MASK* Hypoglycemia

Atenolol (Tenormin®, Tenoretic® containing Atenolol & Chlorthalidone)

Carteolol (Cartrol® oral, Occupress® eyedrops)

Carvedilol (Coreg®, Coreg® Tiltabs®)

Clonidine (Duraclon®, Catapres®, Catapres-TTS-1®, Catapres-TTS-2®, Catapres-TTS-3®)

Metoprolol (Lopressor®, Lopressor® HCT, Toprol XL®)

Nadolol (Corgard®)

Nebivolol (Bystolic®)

Pindolol (Visken®)

Propranolol, Propranolol Hydrochloride, (Inderal®, Inderal LA®, Inderide®, Innopran® XL, Intensol®)

Timolol (Timoptic®, Timoptic-XE®)

_________________

* Recent research suggests that this may not occur.

__________________

Because of the continually changing nature of the U.S. prescription and OTC drug marketplace, this list may not reflect the full range of drugs that may impact blood glucose levels. The information contained in this document is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen.

References:

(Video) How to bring down high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia)

FAQs

What medications can affect blood sugar levels? ›

Antidepressants (Zyprexa, risperdal, Clozaril, Seroquel, Abilify, Geodon, lithium) Beta-2 stimulators (Proventil, Alupent, Serevent, Foradil, Brethine, Theo-Dur) Caffeine. Corticosteroids (Prednisone, Decadron, DepoMedrol)

What blood pressure meds cause high blood sugar? ›

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and chlorthalidone are diuretics used to lower blood pressure but may increase your risk for high blood sugar and diabetes.

What should I do if my blood sugar is over 400? ›

When to see a doctor. According to the University of Michigan, blood sugar levels of 300 mg/dL or more can be dangerous. They recommend calling a doctor if you have two readings in a row of 300 or more. Call your doctor if you're worried about any symptoms of high blood sugar.

What medications should diabetics avoid? ›

Certain antibiotics, including rifampin and isoniazid. Some high blood pressure medicines, such as calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, and thiazide diuretics. Corticosteroids. Estrogen.
...
Other medicines, when combined with a TZD, may raise your chance of having heart problems:
  • NSAIDs.
  • Sulfonylureas.
  • Nitrates.
Apr 17, 2022

What can I take instead of metformin? ›

Other alternatives to metformin
  • Avandia (rosiglitazone)
  • Nesina (alogliptin)
  • Tanzeum (albiglutide)
  • Jardiance (empagliflozin)
  • Invokana (canagliflozin)
  • Farxiga (dapagliflozin)
Mar 21, 2022

What vitamins and supplements raise blood sugar? ›

Vitamin B3 or Niacin, taken to reduce bad cholesterol, increases insulin resistance and raises blood sugar levels.

Can drinking a lot of water lower your blood sugar? ›

Drinking water regularly may rehydrate the blood, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce diabetes risk ( 20 , 21 ). Keep in mind that water and other zero-calorie drinks are best. Avoid sugar-sweetened options, as these can raise blood glucose, drive weight gain, and increase diabetes risk ( 22 , 23 ).

Can medications affect your blood sugar? ›

Several different types of prescription medications can cause a blood sugar level increase because of how they affect your body's chemistry. Some medications, for example, decrease insulin production; others increase insulin resistance or glucose production.

What is the new pill for diabetes? ›

Tirzepatide is the first drug in a new class of diabetes medications. It is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1 and GIP are gut hormones called incretins, and the intestines release them when we eat.

What is the best medicine to lower a1c? ›

  • Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. Acarbose (Precose) and miglitol (Glyset) are alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. ...
  • Biguanides. Metformin (Glucophage) is a biguanide. ...
  • Bile Acid Sequestrants (BASs) ...
  • Dopamine-2 Agonists. ...
  • DPP-4 Inhibitors. ...
  • Meglitinides. ...
  • SGLT2 Inhibitors. ...
  • Sulfonylureas.

Can vitamins raise blood sugar? ›

A number of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs — even some vitamins and supplements — can raise blood sugar.

Why is my blood sugar over 400? ›

Glucose builds up in the blood if there is not enough insulin to move glucose into your cells. During an episode of ketoacidosis, it is common for blood sugar to rise to a level over 400 milligrams per deciliter. When blood sugar levels are so high, some sugar "overflows" into the urine.

What are the symptoms of blood sugar over 400? ›

If your blood sugar level is too high, you may have:
  • Increased thirst.
  • Frequent urination.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Tiredness or weakness.
  • Headache.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Stomach pain.
Aug 11, 2022

At what blood sugar level should I go to the hospital? ›

Action to take

If a ketone test shows that ketones are present and a blood glucose test shows that a person's blood sugar levels are 240 m/dl or above, the ADA advise them to see a doctor. Anyone with these symptoms should seek medical help as soon as possible, as DKA can become a medical emergency.

What is the safest drug for diabetes? ›

Official answer. Most experts consider metformin to be the safest medicine for type 2 diabetes because it has been used for many decades, is effective, affordable, and safe. Metformin is recommended as a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes by the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

At what A1C should you start metformin? ›

Recent guidelines recommend considering use of metformin in patients with prediabetes (fasting plasma glucose 100-125 mg/dL, 2-hr post-load glucose 140-199 mg/dL, or A1C 5.7-6.4%), especially in those who are <60 years old, have a BMI >35 kg/m2, or have a history of gestational diabetes.

Can a diabetic live without medication? ›

Official answer. Some people can control and manage type 2 diabetes without medicine, but many others will need diabetes medications along with lifestyle changes. If you are newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, your provider may first recommend that you manage your diabetes using lifestyle changes only.

Does Tylenol raise your blood sugar? ›

Tylenol does not have an effect on blood glucose levels.

Does ibuprofen raise blood sugar? ›

You may take a low dose of aspirin or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve the occasional headache or muscle pain. A regular dose is unlikely to affect your blood sugar levels, but a higher-than-usual dose may lower your blood sugar level.

Does Claritin raise blood sugar? ›

Thankfully, antihistamines, including the popular allergy medicine Claritin, do not raise blood sugar. However, some products, such as Benadryl, may cause drowsiness, and interfere with your daily activities, including your diabetes care.

Can vitamins raise blood sugar? ›

A number of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs — even some vitamins and supplements — can raise blood sugar.

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