The medication works by binding to and inhibiting the ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP) inhibitory regulatory subunit sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) in pancreatic beta cells. This inhibition causes cell membrane depolarization, opening voltage-dependent calcium channels. This results in an increase in intracellular calcium in the pancreatic beta cell and subsequent stimulation of insulin release. After a cerebral ischemic insult, the blood–brain barrier is broken and<unk>  can reach the central nervous system.<unk>  has been shown to bind more efficiently to the ischemic hemisphere. Moreover, under ischemic conditions SUR1, the regulatory subunit of the KATP- and the NCCa-ATP-channels, is expressed in neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, endothelial cells and by reactive microglia. As per the research papers, this sulphonyl urea drugs also has extra hepatic effects. It works by inhibiting the enzyme Carnityl Acyl Transferase I (CAT-I) indirectly which is present in the mitochondria. This prevents the transport of long chain fatty acids into the mitochondria for beta-oxidation. This prevents hyperglycemia for which it is prescribed. Tolbutamine also has a similar effect.
Glibenclamide
Miglitol
Exenatide
Metformin
Regular insulin
Linagliptin
Rosiglitazone
Pioglitazone