What It Is Used For
Glimepiride lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes by helping the pancreas release more insulin. It is used with diet and exercise, alone or with metformin or other medicines.
How to Take It
Usually 1 mg once a day with breakfast or the first main meal. The doctor may increase it slowly, usually up to 4 mg a day, and rarely higher. Swallow with water. Do not skip meals after taking it.
Who Should Not Take It
Do not take it if you have type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, severe kidney or liver disease, or if you are allergic to glimepiride, sulfonylureas or sulfa medicines.
Side Effects
The main risk is low blood sugar: sweating, shaking, hunger, fast heartbeat, confusion or dizziness. Eat or drink something sugary at once. Other effects: nausea, weight gain, skin rash and sensitivity to sunlight.
Precautions
Low sugar is more likely in older people, if you miss meals, drink alcohol, exercise hard, or have kidney or liver problems. Check your blood sugar regularly.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Not recommended. Insulin is usually used instead; ask your doctor.
Interactions
Fluconazole, miconazole, some antibiotics, aspirin-type painkillers, other diabetes medicines and alcohol can lower sugar too much. Steroids and some diuretics can raise it. Beta-blockers can hide signs of low sugar.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, out of the reach of children.