What is a common adverse effect associated with second-generation sulfonylureas?

Weight gain is a common adverse effect associated with second-generation sulfonylureas. These medications, used to manage blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas. This increase in insulin can lead to weight gain due to heightened fat storage and increased appetite.

In contrast, while nausea, agranulocytosis, and constipation may occur with various other medications or conditions, they are not typically associated with second-generation sulfonylureas. Nausea and constipation are more general gastrointestinal side effects that can occur with many drugs, and agranulocytosis is a serious but rare condition usually linked with specific medications, such as some antipsychotics or certain chemotherapies, rather than sulfonylureas. Consequently, weight gain stands out as a well-recognized and prevalent issue for patients taking these agents, marking it as the correct choice in this context.