Amaryl (Glimepiride)

AMARYL (GLIMEPIRIDE)

• Overview

  Amaryl (Glimepiride)is a form of a prescription drug. Its use is mainly to treat patients with type 2 diabetes. Similarly, its generic name is Glimepiride. Above all, the FDA approved it in 1995. In addition, the medication is in the making of a pill. It is to be taken orally. Its usage can go along with insulin or other diabetic medicines as a combination therapy.

• How It Works

  It contains an active ingredient called Glimepiride, which belongs to a class of drugs called as Sulfonylureas. In type 2 diabetes, your body cannot produce enough insulin or use insulin. As a result, sugar remains in the blood, resulting in high sugar levels, i.e., Hyperglycemia. In addition, this drug helps in boosting the secretion of natural insulin and increasing the body’s sensitivity to the blood sugar-regulating hormone. Moreover, this drug helps in blood sugar control with the help of diet and exercise.

• Dosage

  • The recommendation of the tablet is not ideal for children below 18 years.

  Adult Dosage:

  • An initial dose of 1 to 2 mg daily taken with the first meal of the day.
  • Starting dose of 1 mg for patients with a risk of hypoglycemia.
  • Increase in the dosage by 1 or 2 mg depending on the sugar levels.
  • Increase in dosage after every 1 to 2 weeks until the blood sugar is in control.
  • After that, a maximum dose of 8 mg per day is an ideal recommendation.

  Senior Dosage:

  • An initial dose of 1 mg daily taken with the first meal of the day.
  • An increase in dosage will be less frequent as older people are more prone to kidney-related issues.
  • Similarly, a maximum dose of 8 mg per day is a standard recommendation.

• Common Side Effects

  Serious Side Effects:

  • Allergic Reaction
  • Icterus
  • Murky-coloured Urination
  • Light-tinted feces
  • Diarrhea
  • Liver Problems
  • Stomach Pain
  • High temperature
  • Pharyngitis
  • Uncommon bruises or hemorrhage

  Common Side Effects: hypoglycemia resulting in

  • Dizziness
  • Sweating
  • Fast Heartbeat
  • Nausea
  • Headache

  However, if you suffer from any of these side effects, above all contact your doctor immediately and seek medical help.

• How to Take This Medication

  • Amaryl tablets are available in 1,2,3 and 4 mg doses.
  • Considering your age, condition, severity, and other complications, your doctor will recommend you the dose. Take medicine as and when prescribed by your doctor.
  • Similarly, read the instructions before you consume the medicine.
  • Take the drug with the first meal of your day.
  • In case of a missed dose, wait for the next dose and don’t consume 2 tablets at once.
  • In case of an overdose, immediately get in touch with your doctor.
  • Diet and exercise regularly, along with your medication.

• Warnings and Precautions

  Most importantly don’t take Amaryl (Glimepiride) if you have, for instance:

  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis
  • An allergy to Sulfa Drugs

  Moreover, tell your doctor, if you have/, are,

  • Liver Disease
  • Kidney Disease
  • Heart Problems / Ailment
  • Glucose-6–phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD) which is an enzyme deficiency
  • Pregnant or planning to get pregnant
  • Breastfeeding
  • Going to have surgery (any kind)
  • A hormone disorder like Thyroid
  • You are already consuming some other drugs
  • On dialysis
  • Type 1 diabetes

  Most importantly, it is not recommended for children under 18 years.