Glimepiride (Rx)
Glimepiride brand name: Amaryl
Dea Class: Rx (Glimepiride is a prescription drug)
Drug Class: Antidiabetics, Sulfonylureas (Second Generation Sulfonylurea)
Dosage form: Glimepiride oral tablet 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg or 4 mg.
Table Of Content
- What Is Glimepiride?
- How it works?
- How should I take Glimepiride?
- Side effects associated with Glimepiride.
What is Glimepiride?
Glimepiride is an oral diabetes medicine that is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Glimepiride is used to treat high blood sugar levels caused by type 2 diabetes.
Sometimes, it is used in combination with other diabetes medications.
Glimepiride is not for treating type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Glimepiride may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
How it works?
Glimepiride belongs to a class of drugs called sulfonylureas. Glimepiride works by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin and helping the body use insulin more efficiently. This helps lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
How should I take glimepiride?
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using glimepiride and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Glimepiride is usually taken once a day with breakfast or the first main meal of the day. Take glimepiride with a full glass of water. Take glimepiride at around the same time every day. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Take glimepiride exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Glimepiride helps control blood sugar but does not cure diabetes. Continue to take glimepiride even if you feel well. Do not stop taking glimepiride without talking to your doctor.
Glimepiride Side Effects
This medication may cause changes in your blood sugar. You should know the symptoms of high and low blood sugar and what to do if you develop these symptoms.
Glimepiride may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Common side effects of glimepiride include:
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headache,
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dizziness, weakness,
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nausea, or
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low blood sugar.
Serious side effects of glimepiride include:
If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- light-colored stools
- dark urine
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- diarrhea
- fever
- sore throat
Glimepiride may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
What Are Warnings and Precautions for Glimepiride?
Warnings
- This medication contains glimepiride. Do not take Amaryl if you are allergic to glimepiride or any ingredients contained in this drug.
- You should not use glimepiride if you have diabetic ketoacidosis.
- It is contraindicated in Complicated gestational diabetes mellitus.
- Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately
Before taking glimepiride, Cautions
You should not use glimepiride if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
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an allergy to sulfa drugs or
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diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
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heart disease
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liver or kidney disease or
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an enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD).
Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Also be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you stop taking any medications while taking glimepiride. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
Glimepiride may increase your risk of serious heart problems, but not treating your diabetes can also damage your heart and other organs. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of glimepiride.
Limit alcohol while taking this medication because it can increase your risk of developing low blood sugar.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Pregnancy may cause or worsen diabetes. Discuss a plan with your doctor for managing your blood sugar while pregnant. Your doctor may substitute insulin for this drug during pregnancy. If glimepiride is used, it may be switched to insulin at least 2 weeks before the expected delivery date because of glimepiride’s risk of causing low blood sugar in your newborn. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Lactation
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
What Are Dosages of Glimepiride?
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Glimepiride Oral Tablet
- 1mg
- 2mg
- 3mg
- 4mg
Dosage for type 2 diabetes
Adult dosage
- Initial dose: Glimepiride 1 to 2 mg orally once a day, after breakfast or with first meal.
- Maintenance dose: Increase glimepiride in 1 or 2 mg increments no more frequently than every 1 to 2 weeks based on glycemic response
- Maximum dose: 8 mg per day
Conversion from other oral hypoglycemic agents
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- Observe patients carefully for 1-2 weeks when being converted from long half-life sulfonylureas to glimepiride, because of potential for overlapping of hypoglycemic effects
Dosing considerations
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- Use in monotherapy or, if glycemic response to glimepiride is inadequate at maximum dose, with insulin or metformin
Pediatric Dosage
- Glimepiride isn’t recommended for people under 18 years old because it may affect body weight and cause low blood sugar.
Geriatric Dosage
- Prolonged hypoglycemia reported with use; titrate dose conservatively; monitor for hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic symptoms
- 1 mg orally once per day; titrate dose at weekly intervals to avoid hypoglycemia
Dosing Modifications
Renal impairment: 1 mg PO qDay; titrate dose based on fasting blood glucose levels
Hepatic impairment: Not studied; not recommended in severe impairment; initiate therapy with 1 mg PO qDay and titrate carefully
Glimepiride brand name
Brand names of glimepiride combination products
- Avandaryl® (containing Glimepiride, Rosiglitazone)
- Duetact® (containing Glimepiride, Pioglitazone)
- Amaryl M® (containing Glimepiride, Metformin)
FAQs
How does Glimepiride interact with other medications?
Glimepiride can interact with other medications, including other diabetes drugs, blood thinners, and certain antibiotics. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking.
Can Glimepiride be taken with other diabetes medications?
Yes, Glimepiride can be taken with other diabetes medications such as metformin or insulin. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate combination and dosage.
What Foods Should Be Avoided While Taking Glimepiride?
While taking Glimepiride, it’s best to avoid alcohol, sugary foods, refined carbohydrates, and high-fat foods as they can interfere with blood sugar control. Additionally, grapefruit should be avoided due to potential drug interactions. Opt for a balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables for better management of your diabetes.
Is Glimepiride safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
The safety of Glimepiride during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been fully established. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before taking Glimepiride.
What should I do if I missed a dose?
If you miss a dose of Glimepiride, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. You may have signs of low blood sugar, such as extreme weakness, blurred vision, sweating, trouble speaking, tremors, stomach pain, confusion, and seizure (convulsions).
