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Cyclamide: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Cyclamide - General Information

A sulfonylurea hypoglycemic agent that is metabolized in the liver to 1-hydrohexamide. [PubChem]

 

Pharmacology of Cyclamide

Cyclamide is an intermediate-acting, first-generation oral sulfonylurea. It lowers blood sugar by stimulating the pancreatic beta cells to secrete insulin and by helping the body use insulin efficiently. The pancreas must produce insulin for this medication to work. Cyclamide has one-third the potency of chlorpropamide, and twice the potency of tolbutamide; however, similar hypoglycemic efficacy occurs with equipotent dosage of sulfonylureas.

 

Cyclamide for patients

 

Cyclamide Interactions

 

Cyclamide Contraindications

Contraindicated in kidney disease, liver disease, and thyroid disease.

 

Additional information about Cyclamide

Cyclamide Indication: Used in the management of diabetes mellitus type 2 (adult-onset). Mechanism Of Action: Sulfonylureas such as acetohexamide bind to an ATP-dependent K+ channel on the cell membrane of pancreatic beta cells. This inhibits a tonic, hyperpolarizing outflux of potassium, which causes the electric potential over the membrane to become more positive. This depolarization opens voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. The rise in intracellular calcium leads to increased fusion of insulin granulae with the cell membrane, and therefore increased secretion of (pro)insulin. Drug Interactions: Acebutolol The beta-blocker decreases the symptoms of hypoglycemiaAtenolol The beta-blocker decreases the symptoms of hypoglycemiaBetaxolol The beta-blocker decreases the symptoms of hypoglycemiaBisoprolol The beta-blocker decreases the symptoms of hypoglycemiaCarteolol The beta-blocker decreases the symptoms of hypoglycemiaCarvedilol The beta-blocker decreases the symptoms of hypoglycemiaEsmolol The beta-blocker decreases the symptoms of hypoglycemiaLabetalol The beta-blocker decreases the symptoms of hypoglycemiaMetoprolol The beta-blocker decreases the symptoms of hypoglycemiaNadolol The beta-blocker decreases the symptoms of hypoglycemiaPindolol The beta-blocker decreases the symptoms of hypoglycemiaPropranolol The beta-blocker decreases the symptoms of hypoglycemiaSotalol The beta-blocker decreases the symptoms of hypoglycemiaTimolol The beta-blocker decreases the symptoms of hypoglycemiaAspirin The salicylate increases the effect of sulfonylureaSalicyclic acid The salicylate increases the effect of sulfonylureaChloramphenicol The agent increases the effect of sulfonylureaClofibrate The agent increases the effect of sulfonylureaDicumarol The agent increases the effect of sulfonylureaDiazoxide Diazoxide / sulfonylurea:Antagonism of actionIsocarboxazid The MAO inhibitor increases the effect of the hypoglycemic agentPhenelzine The MAO inhibitor increases the effect of the hypoglycemic agentTranylcypromine The MAO inhibitor increases the effect of the hypoglycemic agentPhenylbutazone Increases the effect of the hypoglycemic agentRepaglinide Similar mode of action - questionable associationRifampin Rifampin decreases the effect of sulfonylureaSulfadiazine Sulfonamide/Sulfonylurea - possible hypoglycemiaSulfamethizole Sulfonamide/Sulfonylurea - possible hypoglycemiaSulfamethoxazole Sulfonamide/Sulfonylurea - possible hypoglycemiaSulfapyridine Sulfonamide/Sulfonylurea - possible hypoglycemiaSulfasalazine Sulfonamide/Sulfonylurea - possible hypoglycemiaSulfisoxazole Sulfonamide/Sulfonylurea - possible hypoglycemiaBevantolol The beta-blocker decreases the symptoms of hypoglycemiaDicumarol The agent increases the effect of sulfonylureaGlucosamine Possible hyperglycemiaPractolol The beta-blocker decreases the symptoms of hypoglycemiaSulfacytine Sulfonamide/sulfonylurea: possible hypoglycemiaSulfadoxine Sulfonamide/sulfonylurea: possible hypoglycemia Food Interactions: Take without regard to meals.Avoid alcohol. Generic Name: Acetohexamide Synonyms: Acetohexamid Drug Category: Hypoglycemic Agents; Sulfonylureas Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved Other Brand Names containing Acetohexamide: Cyclamide; Dimelin; Dimelor; Dymelor; Gamadiabet; Hypoglicil; Metaglucina; Minoral; Ordimel; Tsiklamid; Absorption: Rapidly absorbed from the GI tract. Toxicity (Overdose): Oral, rat LD50: 5 gm/kg; Oral, mouse LD50: >2500 mg/kg. Symptoms of an acetohexamide overdose include hunger, nausea, anxiety, cold sweats, weakness, drowsiness, unconsciousness, and coma. Protein Binding: 90% Biotransformation: Extensively metabolized in the liver to the active metabolite hydroxyhexamide, which exhibits greater hypoglycemic potency than acetohexamide. Hydroxyhexamide is believed to be responsible for prolonged hypoglycemic effects. Half Life: Elimination half-life of the parent compound is 1.3 hours and the elimination half-life of the active metabolite is approximately 5-6 hours. Dosage Forms of Cyclamide: Not Available Chemical IUPAC Name: 3-(4-acetylphenyl)sulfonyl-1-cyclohexylurea Chemical Formula: C15H20N2O4S Acetohexamide on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetohexamide Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals