What is Glimepiride?
Glimepiride, an oral diabetes medication, is used in conjunction with diet and physical activity to control blood sugar levels among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The use of glimepiride does not include the treatment of type 1 diabetes.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of glimepiride.
Side effects of Glimepiride
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat, or a severe reaction to the skin (fever or sore throat with burning eyes, skin rash, blistering or peeling skin, or red or purple rash), seek emergency medical attention.
Glimepiride can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Dark urine, pale or yellow skin;
- Confidence is weakness or confusion.
Some of the common side effects associated with glimepiride include:
- Headache;
- Dizziness, weakness;
- Nausea;
- Low blood sugar.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; alternatively, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 if reporting adverse events.
Warnings
If you have diabetes, ketoacidosis, or are allergic to drugs containing sulfa, you should not take glimepiride.
Before you take this drug
If you are allergic or have any of the following:
- An allergy to sulfa drugs
- Diabetic ketoacidosis: call your doctor to get treated.
Tell your doctor immediately of any of the following issues:
- Heart disease
- Liver or kidney disease
- An enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (g6pd).
Glimepiride can increase your risk of serious heart problems. However, not treating diabetes can also harm your heart and other organs. Speak to your doctor regarding the benefits and risks of glimepiride.If you are pregnant, or if you become pregnant, follow your doctor's instructions on how to use this medicine. It is important to control diabetes during pregnancy. High blood sugar can have serious repercussions for both mother and infant.You may have to temporarily stop taking glimepiride just before your due date.Medicines similar to glimepiride caused severe hypoglycemia among newborn babies whose mothers took the medicine near the time of delivery. If you are pregnant and taking glimepiride, discontinue this medication at least two weeks before the due date.If you are breastfeeding while taking glimepiride, call your doctor immediately if your child shows signs of hypoglycemia. These include extreme drowsiness or feeding problems. Other symptoms may include mottled or blue lips, coldness or jitteriness, or seizures.Glimepiride cannot be used by anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Glimepiride?
Read and follow all instructions or guides provided with your medication.Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose.Take your medication exactly as prescribed.Glimepiride should be taken with either breakfast or the first meal of the day.Please follow your doctor's advice. Glimepiride should be taken with water.You may also need blood tests in your doctor's clinic.If you have hypoglycemia, you may feel extremely hungry, irritable, confused, and anxious. If you want to treat hypoglycemia quickly, consume or drink something that will provide sugar quickly (such as fruit juice, crackers, or raisins).In the event of severe hypoglycemia, your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injectable kit. Make sure that your family and friends are familiar with how to administer this injection in case of an emergency.Stress, illness, surgery, or alcohol consumption can affect blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor before changing the dose or schedule of your medication.Glimepiride may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diet, exercise, and weight management, as well as blood sugar testing and other medical attention. You should follow your doctor's advice.Store away from direct heat or moisture at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dosage for diabetes type 2:
Initial dose: 1–2 mg taken orally, once daily.
Increase the maintenance dose in increments of 1 or 2mg no more than once every 1 to 2 weeks based on the glycemic reaction.
Maximum dose: 8 mg per day.
Comments:
-Administer with the first meal of your day, whether it is breakfast or lunch.
Start with 1 mg once daily and gradually increase the dose in patients at risk of hypoglycemia.
When patients are switching from a sulfonylurea with a longer half-life to this medication, it is important to monitor the patient for 1 to 2 weeks to ensure that there are no drug effects that overlap.
Use: To improve the glycemic level in patients with type II diabetes mellitus.
Usual geriatric dose for diabetes type 2:
Initial dose: Orally, 1 mg once daily; gradually increase the dosage and monitor closely.The usual paediatric dose for diabetes type 2 is:It is not recommended due to adverse effects on weight and hypoglycemia.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if you overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. An overdose of glimepiride can lead to life-threatening hypoglycemia.Severe hypoglycemia can cause extreme weakness, confusion, and tremors. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, and seizures (convulsions).
What should be avoided?
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol lowers your blood sugar levels and can interfere with diabetes treatment.Avoid tanning beds or exposure to the sun. Glimepiride may make you burn easier. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and use sunblock with an SPF of 30 or more.
Interaction with other drug
Glimepiride might not work as effectively when taken with other medications. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of the drugs you are taking, increasing side effects or making them less effective.Take your glimepiride at least four hours before taking colesevelam if you are also taking colesevelam.Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal products, may interact with glimepiride. Informing your physician of all medications you are currently taking and those which you plan to stop or start taking is also recommended.
