Glimepiride

Glimepiride

Where is Glimepiride used?

Glimepiride is a prescription used to control high blood sugar together with proper diet and exercise. This is in people with type-2 diabetes and may also be used with other diabetes medications. Proper control of diabetes may lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent:

  • Nerve problems
  • Loss of limbs
  • Kidney damage
  • Blindness
  • Sexual function problems

Glimepiride belongs to the class of drugs called sulfonylureas that decreases the chances of developing life-threatening complications of type-2 diabetes. In the year 1995, this has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

How does Glimepiride work?

Individuals with type-2 diabetes have a lack a hormone called insulin. Insulin is made by the pancreas and is the central hormone accountable for controlling sugar levels in the blood. It usually makes the cells of the body eliminate extra sugar from the blood. In type-2 diabetes, insulin is made incompetently in response to surges of blood sugar. The cells of the body also become resilient to the action of insulin that is made, which means that blood sugar levels can become too high.

Glimepiride works essentially by stimulating the cells in the pancreas that creates insulin. These cells are called beta cells. This medicine causes the beta cells to create more insulin and this insulin eliminates sugar from the blood. Glimepiride also raises the uptake of sugar from the blood into fat and muscle cells and reduces the production of sugar by the liver. All these actions help to cut the total sugar in the blood of individuals with type-2 diabetes.

How is Glimepiride taken?

The recommended dosage for this medication will depend on your condition and response. This is usually taken once a day by mouth. This is to be taken with breakfast or the first main meal of the day. Use this medication regularly to get the best benefit from it. Follow the prescription of your doctor very carefully.

If you have a specific diet, follow it along with the doses given by your healthcare provider. Do not suddenly stop taking this drug without the consent of your doctor. if your condition does not improve or gets worse, call your doctor right away.

What are the possible side effects of Glimepiride?

  • Upset stomach
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal or stomach pain
  • Dark urine
  • Unusual or sudden weight gain

This medication may cause hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Here are some symptoms:

  • Shaking
  • Sweating
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Blurred vision
  • Hunger
  • Dizziness
  • Tingling hands or feet

What are the precautions in taking Glimepiride?

  • Before using this, inform your doctor if you any allergies, medical history, or current medications including vitamins, food supplements, or herbal products.
  • Consult your doctor first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking this. This medicine should only be used when needed.
  • Do not use this past the expiration date.
  • Keep this in a dry and clean place to avoid contamination.
  • Keep this away from the reach of children or pets.