Amaryl (Glimepiride)

What is Amaryl?

Amaryl (glimepiride) is an anti-diabetic drug that helps control blood sugar levels. It is used by patients with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes.

What is Amaryl used for?

Amaryl is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control blood sugar levels. Controlling high blood sugar further prevents blindness, kidney damage, sexual disorders, loss of limbs, and nerve problems.  It may also reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

How does Amaryl work?

Amaryl works by stimulating the release of body’s natural insulin (produced by pancreas).

How to use Amaryl

Amaryl should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken once daily, with a full glass of water. It is advisable to take the medicine with breakfast or the first main meal of the day. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Get your blood glucose levels tested on a regular basis.

Amaryl warnings and precautions

Do not take Amaryl if you are allergic to glimepiride or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Prior to taking Amaryl, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, heart disease, adrenal or pituitary gland problems, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency or G6PD (an enzyme deficiency),  an allergy to sulfa drugs, or if you are under-nourished.

While using Amaryl, avoid drinking alcohol and getting exposed to sunlight. Pregnant and lactating women should not use this drug without consulting their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Amaryl dose?

If you have missed your Amaryl dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Amaryl overdose?

If you have taken an Amaryl overdose you should seek medical attention.

Amaryl interactions

Before taking Amaryl, consult your doctor if you take clonidine (Catapres), albuterol ( Ventolin, Proventil), reserpine; or a beta-blocker such as carvedilol (Coreg), atenolol (Tenormin), labetalol (Trandate, Normodyne), nadolol (Corgard), metoprolol (Toprol, Lopressor), sotalol (Betapace), or propranolol (InnoPran, Inderal). Such drugs can interact with Amaryl.

If you take Amaryl with other drugs that increase blood sugar, you may get hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Therefore avoid taking those drugs with Amaryl. The list of such drugs includes diuretics (water pills), steroids (prednisone), thyroid medicine (Synthroid), birth control pills, isoniazid, phenothiazines (Compazine), seizure medicines (Dilantin), and diet pills.

You may get hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if you use Amaryl with other drugs that lower blood sugar. A list of these drugs include sulfa drugs (Gantanol, Septra, Bactrim), disopyramide (Norpace), clarithromycin (Biaxin), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), a monoamine oxi

Amaryl side effects

Amaryl side effects include symptoms of lactic acidosis (such as slow heart rate, drowsiness, cold feeling, fainting), hives, nausea, vomiting, severe skin rash, pale skin, bruising, bleeding, itching, unusual weakness, skin irritation, stomach pain (especially in the upper area), dark colored urine, clay-colored stools, numbness, tingly feeling, fever, restlessness, loss of appetite, seizure, jaundice, confusion, muscle pain, hallucinations, breathing difficulty; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Amaryl, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor.

Mild nausea, dizziness, vomiting, headache, stomach pain, fatigue, diarrhea, skin rash, mild itching, and increased skin sensitivity to sunlight are some less serious side effects of Amaryl.

While using this medicine, you may also develop symptoms of hyperglycemia such as feeling extremely thirsty or hungry and increased f