Cerebral edema and hemorrhagic transformation(HT) are the common complications of ischemic stroke. Ischemic cerebral edema is the primary cause of death in patients w ith large infarction. The sulfonylurea receptor 1 (Sur1) transient receptor potential M4 (Trpm4) channel plays an important role in focal cerebral ischemia. Both animal experiment and clinical studies have show n that the Sur1 selective inhibitor glibenclamide provides neuroprotection for ischemic stroke, including infarct volume reduction and improvement of neurological function, especial y in attenuating cerebral edema and reducing the incidence of HT. This article review s the advances in research on glibenclamide for the prevention of cerebral edema and HT in patients w ith ischemic stroke.