Glimepiride


DNX0706.HTM

Glimepiride (By mouth)
Glimepiride (GLYE-me-pye-ride)

Treats diabetes mellitus. Belongs to a class of drugs called sulfonylureas.

Brand Name(s):Amaryl
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to glimepiride. You should not use this medicine to treat dangerously high blood sugar or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

How to Use This Medicine:
Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
  • There are many drugs that can interact with glimepiride and change the way the medicine works. Some of these drugs are aspirin, arthritis medicines, other types of pain medicines, sulfa drugs, chloramphenicol, Coumadin®, miconazole, fluconazole, probenecid, rifampin, beta blockers (such as Inderal®, Lopressor®, and Tenormin®), and certain MAO inhibitors such as Nardil®, Marplan®, or Parnate®. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
  • Some medicines can make it harder for you to control your diabetes. These include diuretics (water pills such as Lasix® or Dyazide®), steroids (such as prednisone), Dilantin®, estrogen, birth control pills, niacin, and some kinds of cold and allergy drugs.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are breast feeding, pregnant, or think you might be pregnant. Glimepiride should not be used during pregnancy or if you are breast feeding. Your doctor may want you to use insulin during this time. Also, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver problems, heart disease, or an adrenal or pituitary gland disorder.
  • To control your diabetes, follow the diet your doctor ordered, exercise regularly, and test your blood for sugar as your doctor ordered.
  • You may have low blood sugar while you are taking glimepiride, especially if you miss a meal, exercise for a long time, or drink alcohol.
  • If your blood sugar gets too low, you may feel weak, drowsy, confused, anxious, or very hungry. You may also sweat, shake, or have blurred vision, a fast heartbeat, or a headache that will not go away. If you have symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), check your blood sugar. If your blood sugar is 70 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) or below, do one of the following: Drink 4 ounces (one-half cup) of fruit juice, or eat 5 to 6 pieces of hard candy, or take 2 to 3 glucose tablets. Re-check your blood sugar 15 minutes later. If your blood sugar is above 70 mg/dL, eat a snack or a meal. If your blood sugar is still below 70 mg/dL, drink one-half cup juice, or eat 5 to 6 pieces of candy, or take 2 to 3 glucose tablets. Carry candy or some type of sugar with you at all times, especially if you are away from home. You can take this if you feel that your blood sugar is too low, even if you do not have a blood glucose meter. Always carefully follow your doctor's instructions about how to treat your low blood sugar. Learn what to do if your blood sugar gets too low. Teach friends, co-workers, and family members what they can do to help if you have low blood sugar.
  • This medicine may make your skin sensitive to sunlight and could cause a rash or sunburn. Use a sunscreen when outdoors. Avoid using sunlamps or tanning beds.
  • Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine, especially before a surgery or a medical procedure.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
  • Unexplained fever, chills or sore throat.
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising.
  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Dizziness or vision changes.
  • Mild nausea or vomiting.
  • Sensitivity of your skin to sunlight.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.