sulfonylurea
noun
sul·fo·nyl·urea
ˌsəl-fə-ˌnil-ˈyu̇r-ē-ə 
: any of several hypoglycemic compounds related to the sulfonamides and used in the oral treatment of diabetes
Examples of sulfonylurea in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Type 2 diabetes medications include metformin, sulfonylureas, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, and other medications that change the way your body uses insulin and glucose.
—
Kathleen Daly, Verywell Health, 30 June 2025
The finding suggested that commencing metformin after a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes was associated with a better chance of living longer, compared to commencing sulfonylurea.
—New Atlas, 24 May 2025
In addition to controlling their blood sugar before and during pregnancy, some patients may need to stop taking certain drugs, such as medications called sulfonylureas, which are known to cross the placenta and are typically not recommended during pregnancy.
—The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025
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Kathleen Daly, Verywell Health, 30 June 2025
The finding suggested that commencing metformin after a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes was associated with a better chance of living longer, compared to commencing sulfonylurea.
—New Atlas, 24 May 2025
In addition to controlling their blood sugar before and during pregnancy, some patients may need to stop taking certain drugs, such as medications called sulfonylureas, which are known to cross the placenta and are typically not recommended during pregnancy.
—The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sulfonylurea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sulfonylurea. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
sulfonylurea
noun
sul·fo·nyl·urea
variants
or chiefly British sulphonylurea
: any of several hypoglycemic compounds (as glipizide and tolbutamide) related to the sulfonamides and used in the oral treatment of type 2 diabetes
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