Glimepiride (By Mouth)

Glimepiride (GLYE-me-pye-ride)

Treats diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes). Belongs to a class of drugs called sulfonylureas.

Brand Name(s):

Amaryl
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to glimepiride or other sulfonylurea drugs such as Tolinase®, Micronase®, chlorpropamide, or Glucotrol®.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

If a dose is missed:

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the tablets at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking this medicine.
• There are many drugs that can interact with glimepiride and change the way the medicine works. Some of these drugs are aspirin, arthritis medicines, sulfa drugs, Coumadin®, miconazole, beta blockers (such as Inderal®, Lopressor®, and Tenormin®), and certain MAO inhibitors such as Nardil®, Marplan®, or Parnate®.
• Some medicines can make it harder for you to control your diabetes. These include diuretics (water pills such as Lasix® or Dyazide®), steroids (such as prednisone), Dilantin®, estrogen, birth control pills, niacin, and some kinds of cold and allergy drugs.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking these or any other medicines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• To control your diabetes, follow the diet your doctor ordered, exercise regularly, and test your blood for sugar as your doctor ordered.
• Talk with your doctor before taking this medicine if you have kidney, liver, or heart disease or an adrenal or pituitary gland disorder.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or think you might be pregnant. Glimepiride should not be used during pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor may want you to use insulin during this time.
• You may have low blood sugar while you are taking glimepiride, especially if you miss a meal, exercise for a long time, or drink alcohol.
• If your blood sugar gets too low, you may feel shaky, weak, drowsy, confused, or very hungry. You may sweat or have blurred vision, a fast heartbeat, trouble concentrating, or a headache that doesn't go away.
• Make sure you know what to do if your blood sugar gets too low. Teach your friends, co-workers, or family members what they can do to help you if you have low blood sugar.
• This medicine may make your skin sensitive to sunlight and could cause a rash or sunburn. Use a sunscreen when outdoors. Avoid using sunlamps or tanning beds.
• Before having any kind of surgery, make sure your doctor or dentist knows you are taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Dark-colored urine or light-colored bowel movements
• Skin rash or hives
• Unexplained fever, chills or sore throat
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Yellowing of skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dizziness
• Mild nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity of skin to sunlight

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.