Glimepiride is used for:
Treating patients with type 2 diabetes who cannot control blood sugar levels by diet and exercise alone. Glimepiride may be used in combination with insulin.
Glimepiride is a sulfonylurea. Glimepiride lowers blood glucose (sugar) by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas gland. It also may help lower blood glucose by other actions on fat and muscle cells. Glimepiride does not work in type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus because in this condition, the pancreas gland is not capable of making or releasing insulin.
Do NOT use Glimepiride if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Glimepiride
- you have type 1 diabetes, severe second or third degree burns, increased ketone levels, severely increased acid levels in your bodily fluids (acidosis), or a history of a diabetic coma
- you are pregnant and near delivery
- you are using bosentan or drink alcohol
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Glimepiride :
Some medical conditions may interact with Glimepiride. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have increased levels of acid in your bodily fluids (acidosis), a weak stomach, liver problems, intestinal problems, a high fever, kidney problems, severe diarrhea, an infection, or thyroid problems
- if you have recently suffered from major surgery or trauma, or you are debilitated or malnourished
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Glimepiride. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Bosentanbecause liver problems may occur and the effectiveness may be decreased
- Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril), beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), certain medicines that act on the liver (eg, cimetidine, fluoxetine, miconazole, and others), chloramphenicol, clofibrate, fenfluramine, gemfibrozil, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (eg, phenelzine), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen, celecoxib), oral anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), probenecid, salicylates (eg, aspirin), or sulfonamides (eg, sulfamethoxazole) because the risk of abnormally low blood sugar levels (eg, hunger, shakiness or weakness, dizziness, headache, sweating) may be increased
- Birth control pills, certain medicines that act on the liver (eg, phenytoin, rifampin, and others), diazoxide, diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), estrogens (eg, estradiol), gemfibrozil, isoniazid, nicotinic acid, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), or certain stimulants (eg, albuterol, amphetamine, pseudoephedrine) because the effectiveness of Glimepiride may be decreased
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Glimepiride may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Glimepiride :
Use Glimepiride as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- The usual dose is given once daily with breakfast or the first main meal of the day.
- If you miss a dose of Glimepiride , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Glimepiride.
Important safety information:
- Do not drink alcohol while you are using Glimepiride. It can increase the risk of developing abnormally low blood sugar. Alcohol can sometimes interact with Glimepiride and cause a serious reaction with symptoms such as facial flushing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or stomach pain.
- Sulfonylurea antidiabetic medicines have been associated with increased risk of death from heart disease. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks and benefits of using Glimepiride and alternative treatments for your condition.
- Carry an identification card at all times that says you are diabetic. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly according to your doctor's directions. If your blood sugar level is often higher than it should be and you are taking Glimepiride according to directions, check with your doctor.
- Glimepiride may cause low blood sugar (eg, increased heartbeat, headache, chills, sweating, tremor, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting). It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you do not have a reliable source of glucose available, eat a quick source of sugar, such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or nondiet soda to quickly raise your blood sugar level. Tell your doctor immediately about the reaction. To prevent low blood sugar levels, eat meals on a regular schedule and do not skip meals.
- Use Glimepiride with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially abnormally low blood sugar levels.
- Glimepiride is not recommended for use in CHILDREN. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Glimepiride during pregnancy. It is unknown if Glimepiride is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Glimepiride.
Possible side effects of Glimepiride :
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Dizziness; headache; nausea; weakness.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).
What is the shelf life of the pills?
- The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
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