This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Amaryl Consumer Information
AMARYL
Generic Name: glimepiride (glih MEH pih ride)
Brand Names: Amaryl
What is the most important information I should know about glimepiride?
- Treatment with glimepiride may increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease compared to treatment of diabetes with diet alone or diet plus insulin. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of treatment with glimepiride.
- Know the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which include headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, and nausea. Carry a piece of hard candy or glucose tablets with you to treat episodes of low blood sugar.
- Follow diet, medication, and exercise routines closely. Changing any of them can affect your blood sugar levels.
- Do not change your dose of glimepiride without first talking to your doctor.
- Avoid alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may interfere with your diabetes treatment.
What is glimepiride?
- Glimepiride is in a class of drugs called sulfonylureas. It is used to help control blood sugar levels.
- Glimepiride is used with diet and exercise to treat noninsulin-dependent (Type II) diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Insulin or metformin (Glucophage) may also be used in combination with glimepiride, if necessary.
- Glimepiride may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my docotr before taking glimepiride?
- Before taking glimepiride, tell your doctor if you
- have kidney disease;
- have liver disease;
- have thyroid disease;
- have Type 1 diabetes mellitus (insulin-dependent diabetes);
- have a serious infection, illness, or injury; or
- need surgery.
- You may not be able to take glimepiride, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Glimepiride is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether glimepiride will be harmful to an unborn baby. Insulin is usually the drug of choice to control diabetes during pregnancy. Do not take glimepiride without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- It is not known whether glimepiride passes into breast milk. Do not take glimepiride without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take glimepiride?
- Take glimepiride exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Glimepiride is usually taken once a day, with breakfast or the first main meal. Follow your doctor's instructions.
- Do not change your dose of glimepiride without first talking to your doctor.
- Store glimepiride at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a glimepiride overdose include hunger, nausea, anxiety, cold sweats, weakness, drowsiness, unconsciousness, and coma.
What should I avoid while taking glimepiride?
- Follow diet, medication, and exercise routines closely. Changing any of these things can effect your blood sugar levels.
- Avoid alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may interfere with your diabetes treatment.
- Tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking this medication before you undergo any surgery.
- Do not take any over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, pain, or weight loss medications without first talking to your doctor.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.