How it works
The primary mechanism of action of glimepiride in lowering blood glucose is by stimulating pancreatic beta cells to produce more insulin and induce increased activity of peripheral insulin intracellular receptor. However, as with other sulfonylureas, the mechanism by which glimepiride lowers blood glucose during long-term administration has not been clearly established.
Generics
Glimepiride
used for
Diabetes
Indication
It is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It should not be used for the treatment of type-1diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis, as it would not be effective in these settings.
Side Effects
Hypoglycaemin: Hypoglycaemia is one of the most widely reported adverse events with glimepiride in many clinical studies. The usual adverse events, other than hypoglycemia. considered to be possibly or probably related to more than 1% of patients treated with glimepiride are as follows: hypoglycemia, dizziness, asthenia, headache, and nausea.Other adverse events observed were: Gastrointestinal reactions: vomiting, gastrointestinal pain, and diarrhea have been reported, but the incidence in placebo-controlled trials was less than 1%. In rare cases, there may be an elevation of liver enzyme levels. Dermatologic reactions: Allergic skin reactions, e.g., pruritus, erythema, urticarial, and morbilliform or maculopapu ar eruptions, occur in less than 1% of treated patients.
Dosage
Adults : Usual dose is 1mg once daily , daily dosage may be increased at intervals of 1-2weeks and carried out stepwise as follows : 1mg , 2mg , 3mg , 4mg or 6mg and in exceptional cases 8 mg. Usual maintenance dose 1-4mg daily. Children : Not recommended . OR As directed by your physician.
Storage yes or /no
Store this medicine at room temperature, away from direct light and heat.
Precautions
Hypoglycemia may be severe. Ensure proper patient selection, dosing and instructions, particularly in at-risk populations (e.g., elderly, renally impaired) and when used with other anti-diabetic medications.