What is a common side effect of sulfonylureas?

Prepare for the Houston Methodist Pharmacology Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready to ace your test!

Sulfonylureas stimulate insulin release from pancreatic beta cells by closing ATP-sensitive potassium channels. The rise in insulin lowers blood glucose but also promotes anabolic effects, including uptake of glucose into adipose tissue and fat synthesis, and can increase appetite. This combination commonly leads to weight gain, making it the most characteristic side effect among the options. The other choices—flatulence, diarrhea, and headaches—are less specifically linked to sulfonylureas.