Medicines That Can Raise Blood Sugar as a Side Effect

Topic Overview

Medicines that can raise blood sugar in a person who has diabetes include:

  • Barbiturates.
  • Thiazide diuretics.
  • Corticosteroids.
  • Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) and progesterone.
  • Catecholamines.
  • Decongestants that contain beta-adrenergic agents, such as pseudoephedrine.
  • The B vitamin niacin. The risk of high blood sugar from niacin lowers after you have taken it for a few months.
  • The antipsychotic medicine olanzapine (Zyprexa).

Related Information

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerJennifer Hone, MD - Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Last RevisedJuly 1, 2011
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: July 1, 2011
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Jennifer Hone, MD - Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

© 1995-, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.



Topic Contents

    Healthwise. For every health decision