Generic name: Glimepiride
Brand name: Amaryl
Drug class: It belong to sulfonyl urea group of drug
Mechanism of action: Glimepiride reduces the blood sugar level by stimulating insulin secretion from pancreas into the blood.Major action of insulin is to lower the blood glucose level.
Uses of glimepiride
It is prescribed to reduce the blood glucose level in patients with type 2 diabetes.Maximum benefit is obtained along with exercise and diet control.
Preperation of glimipiride
Glimipiride is available as 1, 2, and 4 mg tablets.
The dose of glimepiride is individualized based on measurements of blood sugar to get the best dose.The starting glimepiride dose is 1 or 2 mg given orally once daily.Patients are advised to take the drug with breakfast or the first major meal of the day. The dose is increased by 1-2 mg in 1-2 weeks interval.Maximal recommended dose is up to 8mg .
Pecautions while on glimipiride
Before taking glimepiride you should always communicate with your doctor or pharmacist if you have past history of allergy to sulfagroup of drugs.
Limit alcohol consumption while taking this drug because of the chance of hypoglycemia.
During periods of stress the dose of drug may be optimized.
This drug increase the sensitivity to the sunlight. So avoid prolonged sun exposure while on this drug
Side effects
- Common side effects experienced by people on glimepiride include
- Nausea (tendency to vomit)
- Vomiting.
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Hypoglycemic attack can occur(low blood sugar value).
- A rash and allergic reactions is seen in some patients .
- In patients with allergy to sulfagroup of drugs should not take glimipiride.
- Flu-like symptoms have also been reported in some patients on glimepiride therapy
- Other reported side effect is fluid retension in the body.
Pregnancy and lactation
In pregnancy Insulin is the drug of choice for controlling high blood sugar.No human studies has reported its teratogenicity.
In nursing mothers it is not sure whether glimepiride is excreted in breast milk. As the therapy can lower the blood sugar in the infant, it is recommended to use glimepiride in nursing mothers.
How to use:
- It is better to read the patient Information Leaflet before starting therapy.
- Usually once daily dosage is advised
- The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
- Ensure regular intake to get maximum benefit.
- If you take it at the same time each day you can avoid missing of drug.
- Take this drug with breakfast or the first main meal of the day
Drug interactions:
Certain drugs reduce the efficacy of glimepiride and increases blood sugar value.
Examples are Diuretics-hydrochlorothiazide ,corticosteroids such as prednisone and methylprednisolone, phenytoin (Dilantin), colesevelam (Welchol), danazol. Rifampin increases the metabolism of glimepiride by liver enzymes.This will reduce the efficacy of glimepiride.
Beta blockers such as propranolol and atenolol can alter blood sugar value causing either high or low blood sugar.Beta blockers also can reduce body's protective responses to hypoglycemia, thus patients fail to recognize early hypoglycemia.
Certain drugs increases risk of low blood sugar
These drugs if taken with glimepiride increase the chance of hypoglycemia. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, sulfa drugs, warfarin (Coumadin), miconazole, fluconazole , chloramphenicol, cimetidine, ranitidine , clarithromycin , MAO Inhibitors mifepristone (Mifeprex), probenecid, quinolone antibiotics and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs
Other practical tips
What to do if you miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of glimipiride, take the drug as soon as you remember it.If it is near the time of the next dose of drug, you should skip the missed dose and restart your normal dosing schedule. You should never double the dose to catch up the missed dose.
How to store glimepiride?
Drug should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture.
