What is Glimepiride?

Glimepiride is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It causes the pancreas to secrete insulin, which lowers blood sugar. It is used together with diet and exercise, and might also be used together with other medication. 

Glimepiride is only effective for someone whose pancreas naturally produces insulin. It’s not used to treat type 1 diabetes. Glimepiride is taken as an oral medicine, as a tablet that is usually taken once per day.

How does Glimepiride work?

Glimepiride works by increasing the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas. It is part of a group of compounds called sulfonylureas, which stimulate the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. 

This means that the pancreas needs to produce at least some insulin on its own for Glimepiride to work. More insulin in the body helps to control high blood sugar, which in turn can help to prevent heart attack, stroke, and other health complications.

What is Glimepiride used for?

Glimepiride is used to treat type 2 diabetes. This type of diabetes is the most common and is usually diagnosed in adults, whereas the rarer type 1 diabetes is more often diagnosed in children. Type 2 diabetes is caused by both genes and lifestyle. 

Glimepiride is not often used for people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Instead, metformin, a medicine that reduces insulin resistance is often prescribed first. However, Glimepiride may be diagnosed as an alternative medicine on its own or together with other medicines.

What are the side effects of Glimepiride?

Glimepiride has a number of potential side effects. Some side effects are more common than others, but it’s still important to be aware of more severe side effects that could occur.

Common side effects

• Nausea
• Indigestion
• Diarrhea

Glimepiride can sometimes cause low blood sugar. It’s important to make sure you eat enough if you’re taking it. Keeping some snacks handy can help to prevent this.

Severe side effects

• Liver problems – yellowing of the eyes or skin can be an indication of this
• Blood disorders – symptoms include unusual bleeding or bruising
• Increased risk of heart problems

How to take Glimepiride?

Glimepiride is taken as a tablet. It is usually taken once per day with the first meal of the day. Taking it at around the same time each day can help to make it easier to remember. If you are prescribed glimepiride, your doctor can advise you on what to do if you miss a dose. Usually, the advice will be to take it as soon as you remember, but this may depend on how close you are to the next dose. Make sure that you take Glimepiride as directed by your doctor.

Glimepiride is often prescribed in a low dose at first, which may be increased if it becomes less effective. Your doctor will monitor how the medicine is working for you. It is also important to work on the lifestyle factors that can help you control type 2 diabetes, including a healthy diet and plenty of exercise.

Frequently Asked Questions About Glimepiride

Is Glimepiride Safe?

Glimepiride is considered generally safe when taken as prescribed. If you experience any side effects, it’s important to speak to your doctor. You should also tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing conditions or allergies that may be affected by taking Glimepiride.

But just like any other medication, Glimepiride does have risks associated with it and it may not be suitable for everyone.

What to Avoid While Taking Glimepiride?

If you are prescribed Glimepiride, you should avoid the following:

• Alcohol – Drinking alcohol while taking Glimepiride can increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
• Long exposure to sunlight – Glimepride can make the skin more sensitive to light and you might get a sunburn more easily.
• Excessive physical activity – Glimepiride may cause low blood sugar, which can be worsened by excessive physical activity.
• Skipping meals – Glimepiride only works when your pancreas produces some insulin, so skipping meals can lead to low blood sugar.

The list above is not exhaustive and there are many other things to consider when taking Glimepiride, so it is important to speak to your doctor if you have any questions.

Glimepiride can also interact with certain prescription and OTC medications and supplements, so speak to your doctor or pharmacist about these before taking them.

How Long Does It Take for Glimepiride to Work?

Glimepiride starts working rather quickly after taking it. It usually takes around 2 to 3 hours for it to reduce your blood sugar levels.

What Is the Typical Dosage for Glimepiride?

The typical starting dosage for Glimepride is 1 to 2 mg taken once a day taken with your first meal of the day.

Your doctor may increase the dosage to a maximum of 8 mg per day if needed. However, it is important to only take the dosage prescribed by your doctor as taking too much Glimepiride can be dangerous.

Is Glimepiride Stronger Than Metformin?

While both Glimepiride and Metformin are used to treat type 2 Diabetes, their effects are different and they have distinct mechanisms of action.

• Glimepiride belongs to the sulfonylurea class of drugs. It works primarily by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin.
• Metformin is a biguanide. It primarily reduces glucose production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity, leading to better glucose uptake and utilization by the cells.

While both of these drugs are efficient, it ultimately depends on your individual situation which one works best for you. It is important to consult with your doctor and follow their advice as they will be able to provide the right dosage and drug combination that works best for you.

Can You Get Glimepiride Over-The-Counter (OTC)?

No, you can’t get Glimepiride over-the-counter. Currently in the US Glimepiride is only available with a prescription. So you will need to get a valid prescription from a licensed medical professional.

Can You Get a Prescription for Glimepiride From DrHouse?

Yes, you can indeed receive an online prescription for Glimepiride through DrHouse, if our licensed medical professionals determine it to be an appropriate course of treatment for you. This involves a comprehensive evaluation of your medical history and current health condition during a virtual consultation.

For more detailed information about Glimepiride, you can refer to the following sources:

• Amaryl (glimepiride) prescription label, Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• Glimepiride, Drugs.com.
• Glimepiride, MedlinePlus
• Glimepiride, U.S. National Library of Medicine.