SB-Glim 3

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus - as an adjunct to diet and exercise
• May be used concomitantly with metformin
• May be used in combination with insulin

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.

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

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: Must not be taken during pregnancy; changeover to insulin is necessary. Patients planning pregnancy must inform their physician and change to insulin.

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: 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: Do not store above 30°C. Keep away from light and out of reach of children.