Glimepiride

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

Glimepiride belongs to the antidiabetic drug class of sulfonylureas. These drugs lower blood sugar levels by encouraging the pancreas to produce insulin and helping 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 sufferers who are able to produce insulin naturally in their bodies.

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

What is Glimepiride

Group	Prescription drug
Category	Antidiabetic sulfonylurea group
Benefit	Controlling blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes
Consumed by	Adults and seniors
Glimepiride for pregnant and lactating women	Category C: Studies in experimental animals show an adverse effect on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether Glimepiride is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first.
Drug form	Tablet

Precautions Before Taking Glimepiride

Pay attention to the following things before taking glimepiride:

Do not take glimepiride if you have a history of allergies to this drug. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
Tell your doctor if you have had or currently have kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, G6PD deficiency , or a hormone disorder resulting from a disorder of the adrenal, pituitary, or thyroid glands.
Tell your doctor if you have a fever, have an infection , are injured, or have recently had surgery.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking glimepiride, because this drug can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision.
Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages while on treatment with glimepiride because it can increase the risk of side effects.
Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, and use sunscreen and closed clothing, because glimepiride can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Tell your doctor if you are taking other medications, including supplements and herbal products, in case of drug interactions.
Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or overdose after taking glimepride.

Dosage and Rules for Use of Glimepiride

The dose of glimepiride will be adjusted according to the blood sugar level of type 2 diabetics. The following is the distribution of glimepiride doses for adult and elderly patients:

Adult: 1 mg, once a day. Dosage may be increased in 1–2 week intervals according to the patient's condition and response to treatment. Maintenance dose 4 mg per day. The maximum dose is 6 mg per day.
Elderly: 1 mg, 1 time a day.

How to Take Glimepiride Properly

Take glimepiride as directed by your doctor and don't forget to read the information on the drug packaging.

Glimepiride is usually recommended for consumption at breakfast. Swallow glimepiride tablets whole with plain water.

Check blood sugar levels regularly, so the doctor can know the progress of your health. 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 dietary and exercise adjustments so that the results of the treatment are maximized.

Store glimepiride at room temperature, in a dry, closed place, away from exposure to sunlight. Keep this drug out of reach of children.

Glimepiride Interactions with Other Drugs

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

Increased risk of developing low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) when used with NSAIDs , insulin, metformin, salicylates, fluoxetine , chloramphenicol, sulfonamides , tetracyclines, fenofibrate , quinolone, clarithromycin, anticoagulants, ACE inhibitors , MAOIs, allopurinol, probenecid , or fluconazole
Decreased effectiveness of glimepiride when used with estrogens , birth control pills, diuretic drugs, corticosteroids , chlorpromazine, terbutaline , vitamin B3 and its derivatives, laxatives (long-term), phenytoin, rifampicin, or isoniazid
Masking the early symptoms of hypoglycemia when used with beta blockers or clonidine , thus making hypoglycemia not immediately recognized and treated
Increased risk of developing severe hypoglycemia when used with miconazole

Glimepiride Side Effects and Dangers

Side effects that may arise after consuming glimepiride are:

Dizzy
Headache
Weak
Nausea or vomiting
Stomach ache

Check with your 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: