Glimepiride
Also sold as: Amaryl, Getryl
Prescription neededDiabetes tablets
Comes as:Tablet
Usual adult dose
Usual adult dose: start with 1 mg once a day with breakfast; your doctor may increase it slowly. Usual maximum is 4 mg a day (6 mg in some patients).
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- low blood sugar (shaking
- sweating
- hunger)
- dizziness
- nausea
- weight gain
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- severe low blood sugar (confusion
- fits
- unconsciousness)
- yellow eyes or skin
- severe allergic reaction
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis
- Severe kidney or liver disease
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (insulin is usually preferred)
- Allergy to sulfonamide (sulfa) medicines
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious1 medicineDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Fluconazole
Fluconazole raises glimepiride levels and can cause severe low blood sugar.
Moderate4 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Co-trimoxazole
Co-trimoxazole can increase the risk of low blood sugar.
- Dapagliflozin
The combination increases the risk of low blood sugar; the sulfonylurea dose may need to be lowered.
- Propranolol
Beta blockers can hide the warning signs of low blood sugar.
- Sitagliptin
The combination increases the risk of low blood sugar; the sulfonylurea dose may need to be lowered.