Glimepiride - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Glimepiride is a drug to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. To increase its effectiveness, the use of glimepiride must be accompanied by regular diet and exercise settings

Glimepiride belongs to the sulfonylurea class of antidiabetic drugs. This drug lowers blood sugar levels by encouraging the pancreas to produce insulin and helps the body maximize insulin action.

Please note, glimepiride cannot be used to treat type 1 diabetes. This drug can only help lower blood sugar in patients who are able to produce insulin naturally in their bodies.

Glimepiride trademarks: Amadiab, Amaryl, Amaglu, Anpiride, Diaversa, Friladar, Gluvas, Gliaride, Glimepiride, Glimetic, Glimepix, Glimefion, Glucoryl, Lapigim, Metrix, Simryl, Paride, Velacom, Versibet

What is Glimepiride

Class	Prescription drugs
Categories	Antidiabetic sulfonylurea group
Benefits	Controlling blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes
Consumed by	Adults and seniors
Glimepiride for pregnant and lactating women	Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Glimepiride is not known whether it can be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first.
Medicine form	Tablets

Warning Before Taking Glimepiride

Pay attention to the following before taking glimepiride:

• Do not take glimepiride if you have a history of allergies to this drug. Tell your doctor about your allergy history.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, G6PD deficiency, or hormonal disorders due to disorders of the adrenal, pituitary, or thyroid glands.
• Tell your doctor if you have a fever, have an infection, have an injury, or have recently had surgery.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking glimepiride, as this medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision.
• Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages while taking glimepiride as this can increase the risk of side effects.
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, and use sunscreen and clothing that is covered, because glimepiride can cause skin to become more sensitive to sunlight.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including supplements and herbal products, to prevent drug interactions.
• See your doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug or an overdose after taking glimepride.

Dosage and Instructions for Use of Glimepiride

The dosage of glimepiride will be adjusted according to the blood sugar level of people with type 2 diabetes. The following is the distribution of glimepiride dosage for adult and elderly patients:

• Adults: 1 mg, 1 time a day. The dose can be increased in 1–2 week intervals according to the patient's condition and response to treatment. The maintenance dose is 4 mg per day. The maximum dose is 6 mg per day.
• Elderly: 1 mg, 1 time a day.

How to Take Glimepiride Correctly

Take glimepiride according to the doctor's advice and don't forget to read the information on the drug packaging.

Glimepiride is usually recommended to be consumed at breakfast. Swallow the glimepiride tablet whole with the help of water.

Check your blood sugar levels regularly, so the doctor can know the progress of your he alth. The doctor may decrease or increase the dose, according to your condition.

Glimepiride helps control blood sugar in the body, but does not cure diabetes. The use of glimepiride must be followed by diet and exercise settings for maximum treatment results.

Store glimepiride at room temperature, in a dry, closed place and away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.

Interaction of Glimepiride with Other Drugs

Interactions that can occur if glimepiride is used with certain drugs are:

• Reduction of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) when used with NSAIDs, insulin, metformin, salicylates, fluoxetine, chloramphenicol, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, quinolones, clarithromycin, anticoagulants, fenofibrate, ACE inhibitors, MAOIs, allopurinol, probenecid, or fluconazole
• The effectiveness of glimepiride decreases when used with estrogen, birth control pills, diuretic drugs, corticosteroids, chlorpromazine, terbutaline, vitamin B3 and its derivatives, laxatives (long-acting), phenytoin, rifampicin, or isoniazid
• The initial symptoms of hypoglycemia are disguised when used with beta blockers or clonidine, thus making hypoglycemia not immediately recognized and treated
• Increased risk of severe hypoglycemia when used with miconazole

Side Effects and Dangers of Glimepiride

Side effects that may occur after taking glimepiride are:

• Dizzy
• Headache
• Weak
• Nausea or vomiting
• stomach ache

Consult a doctor if these side effects don't improve or get worse.

Glimepiride can also cause hypoglycemia. Immediately consume foods that contain sugar, such as candy, honey, or sweet tea, when you feel the following symptoms:

• Heart beats fast
• Cold sweat
• Shaking
• Hungry
• Blurred vision
• Dizzy
• Tingling
• Pale
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fainted

See your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following allergic reactions or serious side effects after taking glimepiride:

• Jaundice
• Stool is pale like putty
• Urine is dark in color
• Pain in upper right abdomen
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Sore throat