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Glimepiride

Rx only
Sulfonylurea✓ FDA-verified
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Glimepiride is a medication used to help adults with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels when combined with diet and exercise. It works by encouraging the pancreas to release more insulin, which helps lower blood sugar. You typically take it as a tablet once a day, starting with a dose of either 1 or 2 mg, and the maximum dose is 8 mg daily. It's important to know that glimepiride should not be used if you have had an allergic reaction to it or similar medications. Additionally, if you take colesevelam, you should take glimepiride at least 4 hours before it, as this can affect how well the medication works.

Uses

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Dosage

Start with 1 or 2 mg once daily.
Increase by 1 or 2 mg every 1 to 2 weeks based on blood sugar levels.
Maximum dose is 8 mg once daily.
Take with breakfast or the first meal of the day.
Use a 1 mg starting dose for those at risk of low blood sugar.

Side effects

Common

Common side effects include hypoglycemiaheadachenauseaand dizziness

Serious

Serious side effects include severe allergic reactions and hemolytic anemia
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Warnings

⚠ Important warnings

  • Not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
  • Risk of hypoglycemia, especially in elderly or those with kidney issues.
  • Monitor closely when taking with certain medications.

Drug interactions

  • Miconazolerisk of severe hypoglycemiaCaution
  • Colesevelamreduces glimepiride absorptionCaution
  • Aspirinmay decrease glimepiride effectivenessCaution
  • Propranololincreases glimepiride levelsMonitor
  • Cytochrome P450 2C9 inhibitorsmay increase hypoglycemia risk.Caution

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Answers pulled from the FDA label only.

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Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).