All sulfonylurea drugs are capable of producing severe hypoglycemia (use with caution). Oral hypoglycemic drugs may be associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. It may be necessary to discontinue therapy and administer insulin if patient is exposed to stress (fever, trauma, infection, surgery). Chemical similarities are present among sulfonamides, sulfonylureas, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, thiazides, loop diuretics (except ethacrynic acid). Use in patients with sulfonylurea allergy contraindicated; however, risk of cross-reaction exists in patients with allergy to any of these compounds (avoid use when previous reaction severe).