Glimepiride

Antidiabetic Drug

Drug class: Sulfonylureas

Glimepiride (AMARYL)（中文：格列美脲）

Common Strengths of Glimepiride Tablet

1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg tablets.

Drug Trade Names of Glimepiride Tablet

Amaryl

Usage

Treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Mechanism of Action

Stimulates insulin release from pancreatic beta cells.

Route of Administration

Oral

Dosages

• Initially 1 - 2 mg once daily, may increase to 4 - 8 mg once daily maximum
• Hypertension/Heart failure: No specific dosage adjustments
• Diabetic kidney disease: Start with 1 mg daily and titrate carefully

Side Effects

Frequency	Adverse reactions
Common	Hypoglycemia
Uncommon	Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache
	Allergic skin reactions, blood dyscrasias

The main symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) include:

• Feel hungry
• Weakness and dizziness
• Feeling anxious or irritable
• Sweating and chills
• Tremble
• Tingling of lips
• Palpitations
• Vision changes, such as blurred vision
• Confused

Pharmacokinetics

• Absorption
  • Completely absorbed. The drug reaches maximum plasma concentration in 2 to 3 hours after taking a dose.
• Metabolism
  • Hepatic via CYP2C9
• Elimination
  • 60% in urine, 40% in feces;
• Half-life
  • 5 to 8 hours

Glimepiride produces a peak of insulin release 30 minutes after a meal when taken 30 minutes before breakfast. The glucose-lowering effect of glimepiride persists for 24 hours.

Drug Precautions

Pregnancy

Avoid use, insulin preferred.

Breastfeeding

Not recommended.

Children/elderly

Not recommended in children, use with caution in elderly.

Renal impairment

Start with lower dose and titrate carefully.

Monitoring

Regular blood glucose and HbA1c monitoring.

Drug interactions

NSAIDs, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors may enhance hypoglycemic effect.

FAQ

How Should I Take the Tablet?

Take once daily with first main meal

What Should I Avoid While Taking?

Alcohol, skipping meals

What Happens if I Miss a Dose?

Take as soon as remembered, unless close to next dose. Do not double dose.