Glimepiride: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What medicine is Glimepiride?

What is Glimepiride used for?

Glimepiride is a drinking drug that belongs to the sulfonylurea drug class.

This class of drugs works by lowering blood sugar levels in the body by stimulating the body to produce insulin.

Usually this drug is used to control high blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. This drug can also be used with other diabetes drugs.

Controlling your blood sugar levels can help prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, and problems with sexual function. Proper diabetes control can also reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.

In order to lower blood sugar levels in the body, you usually need to have a healthy diet and exercise regularly. This medicine is included in prescription drugs, so you can only buy it at the pharmacy if you include a prescription from your doctor.

How to use Glimepiride?

As with other drugs, there are procedures for using glimepiride that you should pay attention to when using glimepiride, including:

• The best time to take glimepiride is right after breakfast as directed by your doctor, usually once a day.
• The dose of glimepiride given to you is the dose that is determined based on your health condition and response to therapy.
• Usually, the doctor will give the lowest dose as the initial dose and then gradually determine the correct dose.
• If you are already using other antidiabetic drugs (such as chlorpropamide), carefully follow the instructions your doctor has given you to stop your previous antidiabetic medication and start taking glimepiride.
• Colesevelam might decrease Glimepiride absorption. If you are using colesevelam, use Glimepiride at least 4 hours before using it.
• To get the maximum benefit, use this medicine at the same time every day.
• Do not stop using this medication without your doctor's approval, even if you feel well.
• You should tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse (your blood sugar levels rise or fall drastically).

How is Glimepiride stored?

There are procedures that you must pay attention to to store this drug properly, as follows.

• The best way to store glimepiride is to store it at room temperature.
• Keep away from direct light or sun exposure.
• Do not store this medicine in a damp place.
• Don't keep it in the bathroom either.
• Do not store and freeze in the freezer.
• Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules.
• Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist.
• Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so.

Do not mix this medicinal waste with ordinary household waste for the sake of environmental health. Consult your pharmacist or staff from your local waste disposal agency about how to safely dispose of your product.

Glimepiride dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the Glimepiride dosage for adults?

Adult dosage of type 2 diabetes

• Initial dose: 1-2 mg orally once a day.
• Maintenance dose: The dose may be increased to 1-2 mg every 1-2 weeks, depending on your response to treatment.
• Glimepiride should be given after breakfast or your first meal of the day
• The maximum recommended dose is 8 mg per day.

Dosage for elderly type 2 diabetes

• Initial dose: 1 mg orally once a day.
• Maintenance dose: The dose may be increased to 1-2 mg every 1-2 weeks, depending on your response to treatment.

What is the dosage of Glimepiride for children?

The dosage for use of this drug for children has not been determined. If you want to give this medicine to children, make sure you have consulted your doctor first.

In what dosage is Glimepiride available?

Glimepiride is available in the following dosages.

Tablet, Oral: 1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg

Glimepiride side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Glimepiride?

As with other medicines, glimepiride also has side effects of using drugs that must be considered. These side effects can range from mild to serious. The side effects of using glimepiride that are classified as mild are:

• drowsiness, headache, tiredness
• mild nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea
• increased sensitivity to sunlight
• itching or mild skin rash

Meanwhile, serious side effects that may occur include the following.

• Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Severe, itchy, red, or irritated skin rash
• Pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, fever, body feeling weak for no apparent reason
• Numbness or tingling
• Breathing problems
• The body feels like passing out
• Dark urine and stools
• Abdominal pain at the top, low-grade fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, feeling restless, confused, hallucinations, muscle pain or weakness, and / or seizures.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects you experience after using this medicine, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Glimepiride Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Glimepiride?

Before you decide to use this drug, there are a few things you should know. This includes warning and preventing the use of glimepiride, including:

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have any allergies to glimepiride, other drugs, or any other ingredients found in glimepiride. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients for this drug.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist any prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you use or plan to use.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had G6PD deficiency (an inherited condition that causes the rapid breakdown of red blood cells or hemolytic anemia); if you have hormonal disorders related to the adrenal, pituitary, or thyroid glands; or if you have heart, kidney, or liver disease.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant and are currently using this medicine, contact your doctor immediately.
• If you are going to have an operation, such as dental surgery or other major surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking glimepiride.
• Ask your doctor if it is safe to use alcohol while on this medication. The reason is, alcohol can increase the risk of side effects from using drugs. Alcohol consumption while using this medicine may also cause flushing (flushed face), headache, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, weakness, blurred vision, mental confusion, sweating, choking, difficulty breathing, and anxiety.
• Avoid unnecessary or prolonged sun exposure and wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. This medicine may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
• Ask your doctor what to do if you are sick, have an infection or fever, are under unusual stress, or are injured. This condition can affect your blood sugar and the dose of medication you need.

Is Glimepiride safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the equivalent of the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) in Indonesia. The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A: No risk,
• B: No risk in some studies,
• C: May be risky,
• D: There is positive evidence of risk,
• X: Contraindicated,
• N: Not known

Glimepiride Drug Interactions