Glypride (Glimepiride)

What is Glimepiride?

Glimepiride, also marketed as Amaryl, Glypride among several other trade names, is an oral diabetes medication that keeps blood sugar levels in check. This drug aids your body to respond efficiently to insulin secreted by the pancreas.
Glimepiride is prescribed along with a regimented diet and exercise routine to properly control type 2 diabetes. It is also used in combination with insulin and other diabetes medicines in certain cases.
Glimepiride may also be given for purposes other than those mentioned above.

Important Information about Glimepiride

Avoid taking Glimepiride medication if you are allergic to glimepiride, or if you are suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis.
Before taking Glimepiride, remember to inform your doctor if you are allergic to any sulfa drugs; or if you have heart, liver, or kidney disease; suppressed enzymes (G6PD); abnormally functioning pituitary or adrenal glands and related problems; of if you are under-nourished.
Glimepiride medicine lowers blood sugar level. Take care to follow a strict and regimented diet and exercise program while taking this medication. Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar can occur if you skip meals, exercise more, drink alcohol, or have stress. Symptoms of hypoglycemia are headache, hunger, weakness, tremors, sweating, irritability, concentrating trouble. Keep a source of sugar like candy or glucose tablets or gel handy.
Glimepiride medication will not control your diabetic problems single handedly. You have to maintain strict diet, exercise and weight control measures and may also require other medications. Going slack in any of these can result in your condition going out of control and can be dangerous.
Glimepiride belongs to FDA category C meaning it is not known whether it can be harmful to your unborn baby if you are pregnant. Talk to your doctor about it. Also ask your doctor if it is safe to take this medication while you are breast feeding in case you are nursing your baby.

Before taking Glimepiride

Take care of all precautions which are mentioned above before you take Glimepiride medication. You must not take Glimepiride medication if you are allergic to glimepiride.

How should I take Glimepiride?

You should take Glimepiride medication strictly as directed by your doctor. Don’t change the dosage under any situation unless or otherwise advised by your doctor or you may witness dangerous effects of the medication. Your doctor may alter the dosage if you are ill, have an infection, or any scheduled surgery or medical emergency.
Glimepiride medication is usually taken once a day after breakfast or the first main meal of the day or according to your doctor’s advice. Take it with a full glass of water. You will have to closely monitor your blood sugar level and other blood parameters. Don’t miss any scheduled medical tests.
Remember to always keep Glimepiride in a cool and dry area, away from moisture and heat. Ensure that children or pets don’t have access to Glimepiride medication.

What if I miss a dose?

Don’t skip a dose unnecessarily and maintain a strict medication schedule. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. However, if the time to take the next dose is almost up, don’t take the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Taking two doses close to each other may lead to more amount of drug in your body which can be harmful.

What happens if I overdose?

If you take an overdose of Glimepiride and experience any serious conditions, seek emergency medical help or call the Doctor immediately. Overdosing on Glimepiride may lead to effects like excessive weakness, blurred vision, trouble in speaking, tremors, stomach pain, confusion, or seizure.
Things to avoid while taking Glimepiride
Alcohol consumption while taking Glimepiride is strictly not recommended as alcohol can drastically reduce your blood sugar which can be dangerous and hinder your diabetes control measures.

Glimepiride Side Effects

Taking Glimepiride can result in some allergic reactions or serious side effects such as: bloody, dark or painful urination; increased urinated; dark brown clay colored stools pain in stomach; bloating; shortness in breathe even with mild activity; unexplained weight gain; pain in chest; nausea; itching on upper stomach; unexpected appetite changes; pale skin; easy bruising or bleeding; or increased thirst or hunger. Get emergency medical attention in case of serious and life threatening side effects.
Glimepiride use results in these common and less serious side effects like cold, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle pain, backache, or dental problems. 
The side effects of Glimepiride mentioned above are not an inclusive list of side effects of Glimepiride. You may witness other effects as well. Seek your doctor’s advice on side effects. 

Glimepiride Dosing Information

Glimepiride is usually taken once daily after your first main meal of the day, normally breakfast or as directed by your doctor. Remember that your doctor’s advice is final and nothing overrides it. Stick to the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Contact him or her if you have any concerns.

Interaction with other drugs

Let your doctor know about these medications if you use them before taking Glimepiride as they can interact with it: albuterol; clonidine; resperine; beta blockers like carvedilol, labetalol, atenolol, or others.
You may get hyperglycemia (high blood sugar ) if you take Glimepiride with these medications: diuretics; isoniazid; steroids; birth control pills and other hormones; diet pills or medicines to treat asthma, colds or allergies; thyroid medicine; niacin; or phenothiazines.
You may get hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if you take Glimepiride with these medications: exenatide; some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; aspirin or other salicylates; exenatide; sulfa drugs; a monoamine oxidase inhibitor; other oral diabetes medications like acarbose, metformin, miglitol, rosiglitazone or others.
These lists of drugs which can interact with Glimepiride are non exhaustive and there may be other drugs which can interfere with Glimepiride functioning thereby increasing or reducing its effects of lowering your blood sugar level. Let your doctor know about all medications you use, prescribed or OTC or herbal products beforehand for proper prescription. Don’t start a new medication without a doctor’s advice.