What is a common side effect of sulfonylureas?

The most common side effect of sulfonylureas is weight gain. Sulfonylureas, which include medications like glipizide and glyburide, work by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin, which helps lower blood glucose levels. However, this increase in insulin can also lead to weight gain in many patients, making it a notable and common side effect.

While flatulence, diarrhea, and headache can be associated with certain medications, they are not characteristic side effects of sulfonylureas. Instead, these side effects are often more related to medications affecting the gastrointestinal system directly, rather than those that primarily influence insulin secretion and metabolism.