Indications
Glimepiride is indicated as an adjunct to diet to lower the blood glucose in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes) whose hyperglycemia cannot be controlled by diet, physical exercise and weight reduction.
Glimepiride is also indicated for use in combination with Insulin to lower blood glucose in patients whose hyperglycaemia can not be controlled by diet and exercise or in conjunction with an oral hypoglycaemic agent.
Therapeutic Class
Sulfonylureas
Pharmacology
Glimepiride stimulates the insulin release from pancreatic β-cells and reduces glucose output from the liver. It also increases insulin sensitivity at peripheral target sites.
Dosage
In principle, the dosage of Glimepiride is governed by the desired blood sugar level. The dosage of Glimepiride must be the lowest which is sufficient to achieve the desired metabolic control.
The initial and the maintenance doses are set based on the results of regular checking of glucose in blood and urine. Monitoring of glucose levels in blood and urine also serves to detect either primary or secondary failure of therapy.
Initial dose and dose titration: Usual initial dose is 1 mg once daily. If necessary, the daily dose can be increased. Any increase can be based on regular blood sugar monitoring, and should be gradual, i.e., at intervals of one to two weeks and carried out step wise at follows: 1 mg-2 mg-3 mg-4 mg-6 mg.
Side Effects
Pregnancy & Lactation
Lactation: Ingestion of Glimepiride with breast milk may harm the child. Therefore, Glimepiride must not be taken by lactating women. Either a changeover or a complete discontinuation of breast-feeding is necessary.
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