Glimepiride Tablets(Amaryl) Uses, Doses and Side Effects

Last updated on November 28th, 2023

What is Glimepiride (Amaryl)?

Glimepiride goes by the brand name of Amaryl and is used in the treatment of high blood sugar. It can be used particularly or with a combination of other diabetic drugs like Metformin. Glimepiride tablets are prescribed in type 2 diabetes treatment. 

In type 2 diabetes, the insulin hormone secreted by the pancreas isn’t effectively used by the body. The hormone helps sugar reach cells and tissues, which helps in their functioning. Since the sugar can’t go to the cells, it results in an increase in blood sugar. A glimepiride tablet used for lowering high blood sugar. Not only this, amaryl or glimepiride medication helps in making sugar reach cells and tissues. 

This medicine is used by people who have very high sugar levels. And cannot reduce their sugar levels through lifestyle modifications. However, when on a glimepiridea dose, you won’t be spared a healthy diet and exercise. These life changes are above everything you are looking to keep your blood sugar in the normal range.

In order to make glimepiride medication work efficiently, it has to be aligned with the quantity and type of food you eat and workouts you perform. Changing diet or workout will affect the overall functioning of this medicine. Therefore, when using glimepiride, you will have to be under the doctor’s supervision.

Glimepiride Tablet Uses

When following glimepiride medication for diabetes, it is mandatory to stick to a diabetes-friendly diet plan. You can ask your doctor about that. You can also follow our diet plan, which can adhered to by consuming diabetes medicines. Healthy lifestyle modifications like workout sessions and diet play a significant role in making amaryl or glimepiride tablets work.

Glimepiride dose timing has to remain the same every day. It is generally taken with breakfast or with the first meal of the day.  Glimepiride action in elderly adults is stronger; therefore, they will need a smaller dose.

Glimepiride belongs to the new-gen class of hypoglycemic sulfamides of the sulfonylurea group. The Glimepiride tablet uses revolves around the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The tablet works by stimulating the release of insulin hormones in the islet beta cells. It also stimulates the Langerhans cells in the pancreas. The Glimepiride tablet uses include a dual mechanism and some extra pancreatic action. The effects are summarised as follows:

Effect on Insulin

In the beta cell membranes, sulfonylureas present in glimepiride tablets influence insulin production by barring ATP-dependent potassium channels. This makes the membrane depolarised, causing elevated calcium deposition in the open calcium channels and the cells. When the calcium levels in cells are increased, this signals the release of additional insulin from the pancreatic cells.

Extra Pancreatic Effects

There are some extrapancreatic effects of Glimepiride tablets, which enhance the sensitivity of peripheral tissues to insulin. The tablet also has effects that impair hepatic insulin reuptake. Glimepiride rapidly increases the number of active transporters in the fat membrane and muscle cells stimulating glucose uptake in them. Therefore, Glimepiride is only prescribed for non-insulin adults with type 2 diabetes.

Read More: HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) A1c Chart, Test, Levels, & Normal Range

Things to Know Before Using Glimepiride Tablets

Before switching to Amaryl or glimepiride tablets, one should be aware of the effects it’ll have on your body. Therefore, you and your doctor will be the best judge for this. The things one and their doctor should know before using glimepiride for diabetes management.

Allergy

Before switching to glimepiride medication, reveal all your allergy history to your doctor. Tell your doctor about allergies you had after taking any kind of medicine, including Glimipiride (Amaryl). Also, disclose the allergies you have to foods, animals, substances, dyes, etc.

Geriatric

Regarding geriatric problems that happen in our elderly population, studies performed to date haven’t found any. No relation has been found that would curb glimepiride uses for elderly adults.  However, elderly diabetes patients have more cases of hypoglycemia (low sugar levels) and kidney and heart ailments. These conditions need to be kept in mind. Your doctor will have to adjust the glimepiride dose accordingly. 

Pediatric

In the case of the pediatric population, there aren’t significant studies done to establish a relationship between age and glimepiride tablets effects. No safety and glimepiride efficacy has been found.

Breastfeeding

Till today, no proper studies have been done to review the effects of glimepiride medication on lactating mothers. However, looking at your present body needs. You and your doctor/diabetologist will have to choose and weigh the potential risks and benefits of glimepiride (Amaryl). 

Other Problems

Some medications are not to be taken when consuming food or certain foods. This is because the risk of medical reactions increases. Also, using alcohol or tobacco-related products with specific medicines like glimepiride is to be avoided due to the same risk. 

Using glimepiride (Amaryl) with the following is not advisable. If you are using any of the following, it is mandatory to speak to your doctor. He will then change, adjust or stop the glimepiride dose accordingly. 

• Ethanol
• Tobacco
• Excessive drinking
• Unhealthy food choices

Present Medical Illnesses

The efficacy of glimepiride (Amaryl) also gets compromised if you are suffering from the following. It’s mandatory to consult with your doctor if you have any of these conditions.

• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• High fever
• Recent surgery
• Weakened physical state
• Underactive adrenal gland
• Underactive pituitary gland
• Undernutrition
• G6PD deficiency 
• Any heart or kidney ailment

Read More: 15 Foods To Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Glimepiride Dose

The quantity of the glimepiride tablet used for diabetes treatment differs in the dosage. Deciding the appropriate glimepiride dose will be the sole discretion of your doctor. 

Oral Glimepiride Dose for Adults

The amount of Glimepiride (Amaryl) for adults with type 2 diabetes is initially 1-2 mg once a day. 

Your doctor/diabetologist might adjust their dose until your sugar levels get controlled. Yet, the most amount of glimepiride you can take is 8 mg per day. 

Disclaimer: Never even think of adjusting the prescribed Glimepiride (Amaryl) dosage without the knowledge of your doctor.

Oral Glimepiride Dose for Children

The concerned doctor must determine the Glimepiride (Amaryl) dose in children. It is recommended to swallow the tablet as a whole. Avoid crushing, chewing, or breaking it. 

Glimepiride Dose Timing

Talking of glimepiride when to take, generally, there is no specific glimepiride dose timing. However, you can take Glimepiride M1 or Glimepiride M2, whichever your doctor prescribes, with your first meal. Or whatever timing your doctor prescribes.

Missed Dose of Glimepiride (Amaryl)

Take the missed dose the moment an individual remembers. They may skip the missed dose if it is the time of the next dose. Patients should not take an additional amount to make up for a missed dose. This can develop complications as well.

Overdose of Glimepiride

Overdose of Glimepiride (Amaryl) tablets may result in serious side effects:

•       abnormal heartbeat
•       drowsiness
•       rapid breathing
•       nausea
•       vomiting
•       breathing problems.

Read More: What is Glycemic Index And To Calculate?

Foods to Avoid While Taking Glimepiride (Amaryl)

When on the Glimepiride drug, there are some foods that you should limit. The main reason is these foods hinder glimepiride action. Here are the foods:

Drinks with Caffeine

When on Glimepiride (Amaryl), one should avoid drinks high in caffeine like coffee. Caffeine makes your sugar levels rise and also increases the chances of glimepiride contraindications. 

Bitter Gourd (Karela)

Bitter gourd is a popular veggie in India. It is popular with diabetes patients due to its sugar-lowering effects. However, when on glimepiride drug, eating bitter gourd could cause glimepiride hypoglycemia.

Fenugreek Seeds (Methi)

Fenugreek seeds help in lowering the absorption rate of sugar, specifically in the gut. Even studies also say so. Glimepiride (Amaryl) also does the same. Therefore, their combined effect may bring down sugar more than required. 

Specific Herbs

Some herbs, like neem, psyllium, ginseng, etc., need to be avoided when on a glimepiride type of drug.

Alcohol

Excessive alcohol consumption is a big no for diabetes patients, and also when using Glimepiride (Amaryl). Alcohol, when it enters your body, disturbs glucose metabolism and brings fluctuation in sugar levels. Therefore, drinking alcohol will lower glimepiride tablets efficacy.

We advise you to totally cut out alcohol or limit yourself to weekly drinking. 

Guar Gum

Guar gum in many foods is used to make it dense or thick. Some studies show guar gum lowers glucose absorption and, thus, regulates blood sugar. Taking both guar gum and Glimepiride (Amaryl) may make your body go towards Glimepiride hypoglycemia. Some that have guar gum as an ingredient are:

• Soups
• Yogurt
• Sauces
• Cheese
• Salad dressings
• Ice cream
• Breakfast Cereals

Read More: Key Differences Between Diabetologists And Endocrinologists?

Glimepiride Side Effects

Glimepiride medication helps reduce sugar levels but carries some side effects, too. Let’s know them all:

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

One of the common Glimepiride side effects is a drop in your sugar levels. This can cause common follow-on symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, irritability, and confusion. It’s crucial to monitor your sugar regularly, especially when starting the glimepiride medication. 

Dizziness and Headache

Although these are rare glimepiride side effects, some people may experience dizziness or headaches when taking Glimepiride (Amaryl). If these symptoms persist or worsen, it’s advisable to inform your doctor.

Nausea

Nausea is another common side effect. If it becomes bothersome, discussing it with your healthcare professional can help you find suitable solutions.

Severe Allergic Reactions

Although rare, severe allergic reactions and even anaphylaxis. Common glimepiride side effects are rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing may occur. Seek immediate medical lookout if you observe any of these symptoms.

Liver Problems

While one of the rare Glimepiride side effects, Glimepiride tablets may affect liver function. If you notice symptoms such as dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, or yellowing of the eyes/skin, seek medical attention promptly.It’s essential to take Glimepiride tablets precisely as prescribed and and regularly observe your blood sugar. Communicate any concerns or Glimepiride side effects with your doctor at once for proper management.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)