Glimepiride
Introduction To Glimepiride
Glimepiride belongs to a group of medicines called sulfonylureas and is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. It helps control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes thereby preventing serious complications of diabetes such as kidney damage and blindness.
Glimepiride may be used alone or along with other medicines. It should be taken just before or with the first meal of the day. Take it regularly at the same time each day to get the maximum benefit. Your doctor will decide what dose is best for you and this may change from time to time according to your blood sugar levels.
Keep taking Glimepiride, even if you feel well or your blood sugar levels are controlled. If you stop it without consulting your doctor, your blood sugar levels could rise to put you at risk of diabetes complications such as kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, and loss of limbs. Remember that it is only part of a treatment program that should also include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight reduction as advised by your doctor. Your lifestyle plays a big part in controlling diabetes.
The most common side effects of taking Glimepiride include low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), nausea, headache, and dizziness. Make sure you recognize the signs of having low blood sugar levels, such as sweating, dizziness, headache, and shaking, and know how to deal with them. To prevent this, it is important to have regular meals and always carry a fast-acting source of glucose such as sugary food or fruit juice with you. Drinking alcohol can also increase your risk of low blood sugar levels and hence should be avoided. Some people may experience an increase in weight with this medicine.
You should not take Glimepiride if you have type 1 diabetes mellitus, diabetic ketoacidosis (high levels of acid in your blood), or if you have severe kidney or liver disease. Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have ever had heart disease, thyroid disease, or some hormonal conditions, as it may not be suitable. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking it. Your blood sugar levels should be checked regularly and your doctor may also advise blood tests to monitor your blood cell counts and liver function.
Side effects of Glimepiride
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Daoryl
- Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level)
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
How to use Glimepiride
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Glimepiride is to be taken with food.
How Glimepiride works
Glimepiride is an antidiabetic medication. It works by increasing the amount of insulin released by the pancreas in order to lower blood glucose.
Quick tips
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Take Glimepiride shortly before or with the first main meal of the day (usually breakfast).
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Exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet and take your other diabetes medicines (if prescribed) alongside.
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Monitor your blood sugar level regularly while you are taking Glimepiride.
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Glimepiride can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) when used with other antidiabetic medicines, alcohol or if you delay or miss a meal.
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Be careful while driving or operating machinery until you know how Glimepiride affects you.
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Always carry some sugary food or fruit juice with you in case you experience hypoglycemic symptoms such as cold sweats, cool pale skin, tremor and anxiety.
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Your doctor may check your liver function regularly. Inform your doctor if you develop symptoms, such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite, or yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice).
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Glimepiride if I’m pregnant?
Glimepiride may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Glimepiride if I’m breastfeeding?
Glimepiride is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby. Monitoring of the breastfed infant's blood glucose is advisable during maternal therapy with Glimepiride
AlcoholUNSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Glimepiride safe?
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Glimepiride.
DrivingCAUTION
Can I drive after taking Glimepiride?
Your ability to drive may be affected if your blood sugar is too low or too high. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
KidneyCAUTION
Can I take Glimepiride if I have/had kidney diseases?
Glimepiride should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Glimepiride may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Use of Glimepiride is not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease. These patients can experience very low blood sugar levels which may become normal after a long time.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Glimepiride if I have/had liver diseases?
Glimepiride should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Glimepiride may be needed. Please consult your doctor. However, the use of Glimepiride is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease. These patients can experience very low blood sugar levels which may become normal after a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the dosage of Glimepiride?
The recommended starting dose of Glimepiride is 1 mg or 2 mg once daily, administered with breakfast. If you are at a higher risk of low blood sugar (e.g., the elderly or patients with renal impairment), you will be given a starting dose of 1 mg once daily. The usual maintenance dose is 1–4 mg once daily. The maximum recommended dose is 8 mg once daily. After reaching a daily dose of 2 mg, the dosage will be increased not more than 2 mg at 1- to 2-week intervals, based on your blood glucose level.
Q. Does Glimepiride make you sleepy?
Glimepiride itself does not cause sleepiness. However, it may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when used with other anti-diabetes medicine. Because of this you may feel sleepy or have problems in sleeping.
Q. Is Glimepiride safe for kidneys?
Glimepiride does not affect kidneys in patients with normal kidney function. However, its use should be avoided in patients with severe kidney disease since Glimepiride is principally eliminated by the kidneys.
Q. Does Glimepiride cause memory loss?
No, it is not known that Glimepiride causes memory loss. However, the use of Glimepiride may cause low blood sugar which may cause problems with concentration and reduced alertness.
Q. Who should not take Glimepiride?
Glimepiride should be avoided by patients who are allergic to it, have severe kidney or liver disease, have G6PD-deficiency (an inherited condition affecting red blood cells) or are due to have surgery. Additionally, patients who are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have insulin-dependent diabetes (type 1 diabetes mellitus) should avoid taking Glimepiride.
Q. How long does it take for Glimepiride to start working?
Glimepiride takes about 2 to 3 hours to reduce blood sugar levels. You may not feel any difference, but this does not mean the medicine is not working. Continue taking the medication as directed by your doctor and if you have any concerns, discuss it with your doctor.
Q. How long do I need to take Glimepiride?
Can I stop the medication? Usually, the treatment for diabetes is suggested for a long term. You may have to continue the treatment life long. Glimepiride only controls the sugar levels but does not cure it. Do not stop taking Glimepiride without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking Glimepiride suddenly your diabetes may get worse.
Q. What can happen if I take more than the recommended dose of Glimepiride?
Glimepiride should be taken strictly as advised by the doctor. Overdose of Glimepiride may significantly decrease your blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). If you think you have taken an excess dose and experience a dip in your sugar level, consume enough sugar (e.g., a small bar of sugar cubes, sweet juice or sweetened tea) and inform a doctor immediately. Severe cases of hypoglycemia accompanied by loss of consciousness and coma require immediate medical treatment and admission into hospital.
Q. Can you take Glimepiride on an empty stomach?
No. Taking Glimepiride on an empty stomach can cause your blood sugar levels to become too low. Low blood sugar can cause dizziness, shaking, anxiety, irritability, a fast heartbeat, and confusion. Therefore, you should always take the medicine with breakfast or the first meal of the day. If you are skipping your meal, then you should also avoid taking Glimepiride.
Q. Can Glimepiride cause weight gain?
Yes, Glimepiride can cause weight gain. Glimepiride is a sulfonylurea drug and causes the pancreas to release insulin. It may stimulate hunger and cause mild weight gain in some people. Patients are advised to eat a healthy balanced diet and exercise regularly to keep their weight stable.
Q. Can Glimepiride cause dizziness?
Yes, Glimepiride can cause dizziness as a side effect. If this happens to you, sit or lie down until the symptoms pass. Always carry some sugary food or fruit juice with you in case you experience dizziness while travelling.
Q. What should you not eat while taking Glimepiride?
It is advisable to avoid foods that are high in saturated and trans fats, instead consume fats from fish and nuts. Control your carbohydrate intake as this directly affects your blood sugar.
Q. Is Glimepiride safe to use?
Yes, Glimepiride tablet is safe when used as directed by the doctor. However, it may show some side effects. For best results, it should be used in the correct dose and at the same time each day.
Q. Can people with diabetes have proteins?
Yes, people with diabetes must include proteins along with other essential nutrients in their daily diet. Proteins are one of the major energy providers among all essential nutrients. Besides, being the building blocks of the human body, proteins break down into glucose to release energy. Unlike carbohydrates, the metabolism of proteins into glucose is much slower. Therefore, the release of energy usually takes a few hours after consumption. Thus, the spike in blood sugar levels might occur after a few hours when you are on a high-protein diet. It is often recommended to consume about 2-3 teaspoons of proteins in the evening snacks to avert the chances of hypoglycemia.
Q. Are artificial sweeteners good for people with diabetes?
No, artificial sweeteners are not good for people with diabetes. They are composed of chemicals that can cause mild to severe side effects. Thus, it is better to limit or avoid their use as much as you can.
Q. Can diabetes cause kidney failure?
Yes, uncontrolled diabetes can cause kidney failure. In the long run, diabetes can affect the kidneys leading to a condition called diabetic nephropathy. Diabetic nephropathy is a condition that is a major cause of kidney failure in patients with diabetes. The best way to prevent damage to kidneys is by keeping diabetes in check, making dietary changes, monitoring sugar levels regularly, getting routine blood tests done, and taking prescribed medications on time.
Q. Can diabetes be cured?
Diabetes is a condition that causes changes in your blood glucose levels, which if left uncontrolled, can lead to serious health complications affecting the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. However, with simple lifestyle changes, diet, and medications, one can manage their condition and lead a healthy life.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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