Glimepiride
Written By Dr. Betina Chandolia
Reviewed By Dr. Lalit KanodiaLast updated 23 Aug 2021 | 08:12 PM (UTC)
Glimepiride Uses
Glimepiride is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
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.
Common side effects of Glimepiride
Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level), Headache, Nausea1a, Dizziness
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Expert advice for Glimepiride
- Glimepiride helps decrease high blood sugar level and avoid long-term complications of diabetes.
- Take it shortly before or with the first main meal of the day (usually breakfast). Avoid skipping meals.
- Exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet and take your other diabetes medicines (if prescribed) alongside.
- Monitor your blood sugar level regularly while you are taking this medicine.
- Be careful while driving or operating machinery until you know how Glimepiride affects you.
- It can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) when used with other antidiabetic medicines, alcohol or if you delay or miss a meal.
- 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.
- 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).
Frequently asked questions for Glimepiride
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Glimepiride is advised to be taken in the dose and duration suggested by your doctor. Generally, a single daily dose of Glimepiride is sufficient to control blood sugar levels. The dose should be taken whole with water shortly before or during breakfast. However, if you skip breakfast then the medicine should be taken shortly before or during your first main meal.
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.