Sulfonylureas stimulate cells in the pancreas to produce more insulin. In turn, the insulin reduces sugar levels in the bloodstream by stimulating cells in the body to utilize glucose for energy. Sulfonylureas may also cause cells to be more responsive to the effects of insulin.

Examples of sulfonylureas include:

• Acetohexamide (Dymelor)
• Chlorpropamide (Diabinese)
• Glimepiride (Amaryl)
• Glipizide (Glucotrol)
• Glyburide (DiaBeta)
• Glyburide (Micronase)
• Tolazamide (Tolinase)
• Tolbutamide (Orinase)