Amaryl (Glimepiride)

General information

Amaryl belongs to a group of medications known as oral hypoglycemics. It is used to control blood sugar for people with type 2 diabetes. It is used when diet, exercise, and weight reduction have not been found to control blood sugar well enough on their own. Glimepiride increases the amount of insulin released by the pancreas and helps the body use insulin more efficiently. It may be used in combination with metformin or insulin when diet and exercise and the use of these medications on their own do not provide adequate control of blood sugar.

Directions

Take Amaryl exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The usual starting dose is 1 mg once daily to be taken with breakfast or the first main meal. After reaching a dose of 2 mg, further increases should be done in increments of no more than 1 mg at one-week to 2-week intervals. The usual maintenance adult dose ranges from 1 mg to 4 mg once daily to be taken with breakfast or the first main meal of the day. The maximum daily dose is 8 mg.

Precautions

Before taking Amaryl you should talk with your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, cirrhosis, adrenal insufficiency or adrenal fatigue, pituitary gland problems, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, mineral imbalance (hyponatremia), any allergies. You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Limit alcohol while taking this medication because it can increase the risk of developing hypoglycemia. During times of stress, such as fever, infection, injury or surgery, it may be more difficult to control your blood sugar.

Contraindications

Do not take Amaryl if you are allergic to glimepiride or any ingredients of the medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes), or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness, chest pain, difficulty breathing, hives, blood in the urine, dark tarry stools, easy bruising, nosebleeds, vomiting blood, swelling of the face or throat, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes, tiredness, blurred vision, dry mouth, shakiness, rapid heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: beta blockers (atenolol, propranolol, labetalol), antifungals (miconazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole), decongestants (pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine), seizure medications (fosphenytoin, phenytoin, carbamazepine), chloramphenicol, clarithromycin, corticosteroids (cortisone, dexamethasone, prednisone), disopyramide, diuretics (furosemide, amiloride, metolazone), estrogens, fluoroquinolone antibiotics (ofloxacin, gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (isocarboxazid, selegiline, tranylcypromine), fluoxetine, niacin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, diclofenac, indomethacin, naproxen), phenothiazine medications (chlorpromazine, trifluoperazine, promethazine), oral contraceptives, Rifampin, salicylates (aspirin, salsalate). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are sweating, shakiness, extreme hunger, dizziness, cold sweats, blurry vision, changes in behavior, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking, confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness, coma.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Store it in a tight container. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.