৳ 9/unit
Pack: ৳ 9
৳ 9/unit
Pack: ৳ 9
At a glance
Glimepiride is an antidiabetic medicine used to control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Indications
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus - as an adjunct to diet and exercise
- May be used concomitantly with metformin
- May be used in combination with insulin
Pharmacology
Glimepiride is a sulfonylurea antidiabetic agent which decreases blood glucose concentration. The primary mechanism of action of Glimepiride appears to be dependent on stimulating the release of insulin from functioning pancreatic beta cells. Glimepiride acts in concert with glucose by improving the sensitivity of beta cells to physiological glucose stimulus, resulting in insulin secretion. In addition, extrapancreatic effects like reduction of basal hepatic glucose production, increased peripheral tissue sensitivity to insulin and glucose uptake may also play role in the activity of Glimepiride. In non-fasting diabetic patients, the hypoglycaemic action of a single dose of Glimepiride persists for 24 hours.
Dosage
Adult Dose:
- Initial: 1-2 mg daily
- May be increased in increments of 1-2 mg at intervals of 1-2 weeks
- Maintenance: 4 mg daily
- Maximum: 6 mg daily
Elderly: Initial 1 mg once daily
Children: Safety and efficacy not established
Renal Impairment: 1 mg once daily, titrate based on fasting blood glucose
Severe Hepatic/Renal: Contraindicated
* Use as directed by the registered physician
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Temporary visual impairment
Other Side Effects:
- Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
- Urticaria, fall in blood pressure
- Thrombocytopenia, leukopenia (rare)
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Must not be taken during pregnancy; changeover to insulin is necessary. Patients planning pregnancy must inform their physician and change to insulin.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Precautions & warnings
Precautions:
- Risk of hypoglycemia may be increased in the first weeks of treatment - careful monitoring required.
- Irregular meals, skipping meals or fasting may cause hypoglycemia.
- Avoid alcohol (increases hypoglycemia risk).
- Regular blood sugar and liver function monitoring required.
- Caution in severe kidney or liver disease.
Overdose effects
Overdose: Hypoglycemia may occur. Mild hypoglycemia: oral glucose and dose adjustment. Severe hypoglycemia: IV glucose (50%), then 10% glucose infusion. Monitor for at least 24-48 hours.
Storage conditions
Storage: Do not store above 30°C. Keep away from light and out of reach of children.