Treatment FAQ

what is the medication glimepiride used in the treatment of

by Derek McGlynn I Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Glimepiride is used to treat high blood sugar levels caused by type 2 diabetes. It may be used alone, or in combination with insulin or another oral medicine such as metformin. In type 2 diabetes, insulin produced by the pancreas is not able to get sugar into the cells of the body where it can work properly.Feb 1, 2022

When should I take glimepiride?

Tips

  • Administer with breakfast or the first meal of the day. ...
  • Your doctor will advise you which dose to take. ...
  • Take glimepiride exactly as directed by your doctor. ...
  • If you miss a dose of glimepiride, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and go ...

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What is the difference between glimepiride and metformin?

  • Early Glycemic Control and Magnitude of HbA1c Reduction Predict Cardiovascular Events and Mortality: Population-Based Cohort Study of 24,752 Metformin Initiators
  • Metformin Side Effects And How To Deal With Them
  • The Pros and Cons of Metformin for Diabetes

Can you take metformin and glimepiride at the same time?

Glimepiride comes in tablet form and is usually taken once a day. It may be used alone, or in combination with insulin or another oral medication such as metformin. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of the medication and gradually increase your dose if needed.

Can glimepiride be taken twice a day?

Glimepiride is equally effective whether administered once or twice daily. Glimepiride seems to stimulate insulin production primarily after meals, when plasma glucose concentrations are highest, but controls blood glucose throughout the day. Glimepiride is equally effective whether administered once or twice daily.

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What are the dangers of glimepiride?

The more common side effects that can occur with glimepiride include:low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Symptoms may include: trembling or shaking. nervousness or anxiety. irritability. sweating. lightheadedness or dizziness. headache. fast heart rate or palpitations. ... headache.nausea.dizziness.weakness.unexplained weight gain.

Who should not take glimepiride?

talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking glimepiride if you are 65 years of age or older. Older adults should not usually take glimepiride because it is not as safe or effective as other medications that can be used to treat the same condition.

Is glimepiride a safe drug?

Glimepiride is generally safe for use in older adults. However, with advanced age, the kidneys may be less effective at removing glimepiride from the system. This can lead to increased levels of glimepiride in the blood, which may result in hypoglycemia.

How fast does glimepiride lower blood sugar?

Glimepiride starts reducing blood sugar levels in about 2-3 hours after a single dose. The effectiveness of the medicine can last for up to 24 hours. If Glimepiride stops working after some time, your doctor may increase the dose or add another diabetic drug such as metformin to your treatment plan.

What is normal blood sugar by age?

Target blood sugar levels for children and adolescents with diabetesTarget blood sugar levels for children and adolescents with diabetesAge 6-12Blood sugar in mg/dLFasting80-180Before meal90-1801-2 hours after eatingUp to 1401 more row

Is glimepiride hard on the kidneys?

In conclusion glimepiride is safe, effective and has clearly-definable pharmacokinetics in diabetic patients with renal impairment. The increased plasma elimination of glimepiride with decreasing kidney function is explainable on the basis of altered protein binding with an increase in unbound drug.

Which is safer metformin or glimepiride?

CONCLUSIONS—Glimepiride reduced A1C similarly to metformin with greater weight gain, and there was comparable safety over 24 weeks in the treatment of pediatric subjects with type 2 diabetes.

Does glimepiride cause heart problems?

"Multiple studies have shown that sulfonylurea drugs -- glipizide, glyburide and glimepiride -- increasedcardiovascular mortality, heart attack and congestive heart failure" she said, "so sulfonylureas should be avoided in all cardiac patients."

Does glimepiride affect the liver?

For glimepiride, a second-generation sulfonylurea, there have been no reports of hepatotoxicity in English literature; however, hepatotoxicity has been reported in French literature. The glucosidase inhibitors are useful adjunctive therapies for type 2 diabetes.

Can I take metformin and glimepiride at the same time?

Can you take Amaryl (glimepiride) and metformin together? Yes. It is common for people to be taking both metformin and Amaryl (glimepiride) to lower their blood sugars if they have type 2 diabetes.

What is the difference between metformin and glimepiride?

Metformin improves insulin resistance, and is recommended as the first choice medication for newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients by most guidelines. Glimepiride is a third generation sulfonylurea that stimulates insulin secretion.

Does glimepiride make you sleepy?

This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do other jobs that require you to be alert or able to think well. This medicine may cause serious types of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.

Before Taking This Medicine

You should not use glimepiride if you are allergic to it, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with in...

How Should I Take Glimepiride?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take...

What Happens If I Miss A Dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to...

What Happens If I Overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. A glimepiride overdose can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia.Sym...

What Should I Avoid While Taking Glimepiride?

If you also take colesevelam, avoid taking it within 4 hours after you take glimepiride.Avoid drinking alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may inter...

Glimepiride Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Diabetes Type 2:Initial dose: 1 to 2 mg orally once a dayMaintenance dose: Increase in 1 or 2 mg increments no more frequently...

What Other Drugs Will Affect Glimepiride?

You may be more likely to have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if you take glimepiride with other drugs that can lower blood sugar, such as: 1. exen...

How it works

Glimepiride belongs to a class of drugs called sulfonylureas. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

Quinolone antibiotics

These drugs can increase the effect of glimepiride and cause low blood sugar. Examples of these drugs include:

Antifungals

These drugs can increase the effect of glimepiride and cause low blood sugar. Examples of these drugs include:

Drug that treats eye infections

Chloramphenicol can increase the effect of glimepiride and cause low blood sugar.

Drug that treats high cholesterol and triglycerides

Clofibrate can increase the effect of glimepiride and cause low blood sugar.

Drugs that treat depression

These drugs can increase the effect of glimepiride and cause low blood sugar. Examples of these drugs include:

What is glimepiride used for?

Indications and Usage for Glimepiride. Glimepiride tablets are indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus [see Clinical Studies (14.1)]. Limitations of Use.

What is ALT in Glimepiride?

Elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT)#N#In 11 pooled placebo-controlled trials of Glimepiride, 1.9% of Glimepiride-treated patients and 0.8% of placebo-treated patients developed serum ALT greater than 2 times the upper limit of the reference range.

Does glimepiride lower blood glucose?

Glimepiride primarily lowers blood glucose by stimulating the release of insulin from pancreatic beta cells. Sulfonylureas bind to the sulfonylurea receptor in the pancreatic beta-cell plasma membrane, leading to closure of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel, thereby stimulating the release of insulin.

Is glimepiride safe for children?

Glimepiride is not recommended in pediatric patients because of its adverse effects on body weight and hypoglycemia. The pharmacokinetics of a 1 mg single dose of Glimepiride was evaluated in 30 patients with type 2 diabetes (male=7; female=23) between ages 10 and 17 years.

Does Colesevelam reduce plasma concentration?

Concomitant Administration of Colesevelam. Colesevelam can reduce the maximum plasma concentration and total exposure of Glimepiride when the two are coadministered. However, absorption is not reduced when Glimepiride is administered 4 hours prior to colesevelam.

Can sulfonylurea cause hypoglycemia?

All sulfonylureas, including Glimepiride, can cause severe hypoglycemia [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. The patient’s ability to concentrate and react may be impaired as a result of hypoglycemia. These impairments may present a risk in situations where these abilities are especially important, such as driving or operating other machinery. Severe hypoglycemia can lead to unconsciousness or convulsions and may result in temporary or permanent impairment of brain function or death.#N#Patients must be educated to recognize and manage hypoglycemia. Use caution when initiating and increasing Glimepiride doses in patients who may be predisposed to hypoglycemia (e.g., the elderly, patients with renal impairment, patients on other anti-diabetic medications). Debilitated or malnourished patients, and those with adrenal, pituitary, or hepatic impairment are particularly susceptible to the hypoglycemic action of glucose-lowering medications. Hypoglycemia is also more likely to occur when caloric intake is deficient, after severe or prolonged exercise, or when alcohol is ingested.#N#Early warning symptoms of hypoglycemia may be different or less pronounced in patients with autonomic neuropathy, the elderly, and in patients who are taking beta-adrenergic blocking medications or other sympatholytic agents. These situations may result in severe hypoglycemia before the patient is aware of the hypoglycemia.

Does glimepiride cause weight gain?

Glimepiride, like all sulfonylureas, can cause weight gain [see Clinical Studies (14.1)]. Allergic Reactions. In clinical trials, allergic reactions, such as pruritus, erythema, urticaria, and morbilliform or maculopapular eruptions, occurred in less than 1% of Glimepiride-treated patients.

What is glimepiride used for?

Glimepiride is an oral medication that doctors prescribe to treat type 2 diabetes. Glimepiride belongs to a class of drugs called sulfonylureas. Sulfonylureas work by increasing the amount of insulin released from the pancreas.

Why is glimepiride prescribed?

Doctors prescribe glimepiride to help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Glimepiride increases the risk of dangerously low blood sugar levels. People who take this medication must, therefore, check their blood sugar levels regularly. Glimepiride may also cause other side effects, especially when taken with certain other ...

What is the first line of treatment for elevated glucose levels?

The first-line treatment for elevated levels is metformin (Glucophage). However, a doctor may prescribe glimepiride for people who are unable to take metformin. after 3 months of taking metformin, the doctor may choose to add glimepiride. Alternatively, they may add another type of antidiabetic medication.

How much glimepiride should I take?

People should take it with breakfast or the first meal of the day. People will usually start on a low dose of glimepiride, which is about 1 mg or 2 mg once per day.

What are the side effects of glimepiride?

Possible side effects of glimepiride include headaches, nausea, and dizziness. The most common side effect people may experience when taking glimepiride, is hypoglycemia. This is the medical term for blood sugar levels that fall below 70 milligrams per deciliter. (mg/dL).

How much glucose should I take for seizures?

The American Diabetes Association recommend that people follow the 15-15 rule when taking glucose to treat hypoglycemia. The 15-15 rule recommends that people consume 15 grams (g) of carbohydrate and check their blood sugar levels 15 minutes later.

Can a doctor prescribe sulfonylurea?

In some cases, a doctor may go ahead and prescribe a sulfonylurea to a person with a sulfa allergy. However, the doctor will monitor the person closely to check for early signs of a repeat allergic reaction. As well as sulfa allergy, some people may experience other general hypersensitivities to the drug.

What is the purpose of glimepiride?

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. Glimepiride belongs to the class of drugs known as sulfonylureas.

How to report glimepiride side effects in Canada?

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Precautions. Before taking glimepiride, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

What is the best medicine for a fast heartbeat?

Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet. Beta-blocker medications (including metoprolol, propranolol, glaucoma eye drops such as timolol) may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar falls too low ( hypoglycemia ).

Does Colesevelam affect glimepiride?

Colesevelam can decrease the absorption of glimepiride. If you are taking colesevelam, take glimepiride at least 4 hours before taking colesevelam. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (your blood sugar is too high or too low). Side Effects. Nausea and upset stomach may occur.

Why is glimepiride used?

Glimepiride is used to help maintain blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. It may cause nausea and people who take glimepiride should always be alert for symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

How does glimepiride work?

How it works. Glimepiride may be used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Glimepiride stimulates the release of insulin from beta cells within the pancreas. Glimepiride belongs to the class of medicines known as sulfonylureas. 2. Upsides. May be used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

How long does it take for glimepiride to work?

Glimepiride takes about two to three hours to reach its maximal effect after a single dose. 7. Interactions. Medicines that interact with glimepiride may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with glimepiride.

What medications interact with glimepiride?

Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed. Common medications that may interact with glimepiride include: aloe vera. antidepressants such as amitriptyline, clomipramine, or SSRIs. antifungal agents, such as fluconazole, miconazole, or voriconazole. beta-blockers, such as acebutolol and metoprolol.

What are the side effects of taking glimepiride?

Downsides. If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), dizziness, lack of energy, headache, and nausea.

How to avoid glimepiride?

Avoid alcohol. Ensure you wear an alert bracelet or carry a card that says you have diabetes and are taking glimepiride. Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your doctor. Make sure you eat regular meals and always carry a reliable source of glucose with you (such as glucose tablets).

Can glimepiride cause hypoglycemia?

May cause severe hypoglycemia ( low blood sugar) which may affect your ability to drive or perform hazardous tasks. Hypoglycemia is more likely to occur with low-calorie diets, after severe or prolonged exercise, or when glimepiride is taken with alcohol. Always keep simple sugars on hand in case of hypoglycemia.

What are the side effects of glimepiride?

Glimepiride may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: 1 dizziness 2 nausea

How often should I take glimepiride?

It is usually taken once a day with breakfast or the first main meal of the day. To help you remember to take glimepiride, take it at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

What to do if you forget to take glimepiride?

Before you start to take glimepiride, ask you doctor what you should do if you forget to take a dose. Write these directions down so that you can refer to them later. As a general rule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it.

What to do if you are allergic to glimepiride?

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to glimepiride, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in glimepiride. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.

Can glimepiride cause skin irritation?

Glimepiride may make your skin sensitive to sunlight. ask your doctor what to do if you get sick, develop an infection or fever, experience unusual stress, or are injured. These conditions can affect your blood sugar and the amount of glimepiride you may need.

Can alcohol make glimepiride worse?

Alcohol can make the side effects from glimepiride worse. Consuming alcohol while taking glimepiride also may cause symptoms such as flushing (reddening of the face), headache, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, weakness, blurred vision, mental confusion, sweating, choking, breathing difficulty, and anxiety.

Can you take glimepiride more often?

Take glimepiride exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of glimepiride and gradually increase your dose if needed.

What is glimepiride used for?

Glimepiride is used to lower blood sugar in patients with high blood sugar (diabetes).

Before taking glimepiride, tell your doctor

If you are allergic to glimepiride; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take glimepiride?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take glimepiride. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.

How is glimepiride best taken?

Use glimepiride as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

What are the side effects of glimepiride that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

What are some other side effects of glimepiride?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

If overdose is suspected

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

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