Glimepiride (Amaryl)
Glimepiride is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (not for type 1 diabetes).
Glimepiride may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
uses
What is Glimepiride (Amaryl) used for?
- Diabetes Type 2
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Diabetic Coma (in DM Type II)
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis (in DM Type II)
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Glimepiride (Amaryl)?
You should not use glimepiride if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis; or
- an allergy to sulfa drugs.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency; or
- liver or kidney disease.
Glimepiride may increase your risk of heart problems. Ask your doctor about this risk.
Follow your doctor's instructions about using this medicine if you are pregnant or you become pregnant. Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy, and having high blood sugar may cause complications in both the mother and the baby. However, you may need to stop taking glimepiride for a short time just before your due date.
If you breastfeed while taking glimepiride, call your doctor if your baby shows signs of hypoglycemia (extreme drowsiness, feeding problems, mottled skin, blue lips, feeling cold or jittery, or having a seizure).
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Glimepiride (Amaryl)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- signs of hemolytic anemia--pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness; or
- severely low blood sugar--tremors, sweating, fast heartbeats, trouble speaking, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, fainting, and seizures.
Common side effects may include:
- headache;
- dizziness;
- nausea; or
- low blood sugar.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Glimepiride (Amaryl) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Follow your doctor's instructions about using this medicine if you are pregnant or you become pregnant. Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy, and having high blood sugar may cause complications in both the mother and the baby. However, you may need to stop taking glimepiride for a short time just before your due date.
If you breastfeed while taking glimepiride, call your doctor if your baby shows signs of hypoglycemia (extreme drowsiness, feeding problems, mottled skin, blue lips, feeling cold or jittery, or having a seizure).
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Glimepiride (Amaryl)?
Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur.
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Glimepiride (Amaryl)?
Use Glimepiride (Amaryl) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Glimepiride is usually taken once a day with breakfast or the first main meal of the day.
Your blood sugar will need to be checked on a regular basis, and you may need other medical tests.
Blood sugar can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can make you feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink hard candy, crackers, raisins, fruit juice, or non-diet soda. Your doctor may prescribe glucagon injection in case of severe hypoglycemia.
Tell your doctor if you have frequent symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination. Ask your doctor before changing your medication dosage.
Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and special medical care.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Take your dose as soon as you can, but only if you are getting ready to eat a meal. If you skip a meal, skip the missed dose and wait until your next meal. Do not take two doses at one time.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Glimepiride (Amaryl)?
Images
AMA RYL
Color: pink
Shape: peanut
Imprint: AMA RYL
AMA RYL
Color: green
Shape: peanut
Imprint: AMA RYL
AMA RYL
Color: blue
Shape: peanut
Imprint: AMA RYL