Amaryl

Generic name: Glimepiride

What is Amaryl?

Amaryl is used to treat type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes when diet and exercise alone fail to control abnormally high levels of blood sugar. Like other sulfonylureas, Amaryl lowers blood sugar by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin. Amaryl is often prescribed along with the insulin-boosting drug Glucophage. It may also be used with insulin and other diabetes drugs.

What is the most important information I should know about Amaryl?

Amaryl, like other diabetes medications, has caused heart problems that may lead to death. This has occurred more often than in blood sugar treatments of diet modification alone or diet modification plus insulin. This drug is not insulin, and should not be used as an insulin replacement.

The risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can be increased by missed meals, alcohol, fever, injury, infection, surgery, excessive exercise, and the addition of other diabetes medications.

Who should not take Amaryl?

Do not take Amaryl if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Do not take this drug to correct diabetic ketoacidosis (a condition caused by insufficient insulin and marked by excessive thirst, nausea, fatigue, and fruity breath). This condition should be treated with insulin.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Amaryl?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Amaryl. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have heart problems, are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Insulin is recommended for diabetes treatment during pregnancy.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The usual starting dose of Amaryl as initial therapy is 1-2 milligrams (mg) once daily. The usual maintenance dose is 1 to 4 mg once daily. The maximum recommended dose is 8 mg once daily.

How should I take Amaryl?

Amaryl should be taken with breakfast or the first main meal. For mild symptoms of low blood sugar, carry pieces of hard candy or a container of juice with you.

What should I avoid while taking Amaryl?

Avoid missing regular blood glucose testing (by yourself or your doctor). Be sure to continue following a diet and exercise regimen as prescribed by your doctor.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Amaryl?

Talk with your doctor if you are taking other diuretics, corticosteroids, phenothiazines, thyroid products, estrogens, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, nicotinic acid, sympathomimetics, or isoniazid. Also, be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking salicylates, sulfonamides, chloramphenicol, coumarins, probenecid, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), aspirin, cimetidine, glimepiride, miconazole, or beta-blockers. These drug dosages may need to be adjusted, or they may interact with Amaryl.

What are the possible side effects of Amaryl?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: blurred vision, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, itching, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), muscle weakness, nausea, sensitivity to light, skin rash and eruptions, stomach pain, vomiting

Symptoms of low blood sugar: blurred vision, cold sweats, coma, dizziness, fast heartbeat, fatigue, headache, hunger, light-headedness, nausea, nervousness, pale skin, shallow breathing

Can I receive Amaryl if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Do not begin treatment with Amaryl if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Insulin is recommended to control diabetes during pregnancy. Also, Amaryl may pass into your breast milk.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Amaryl?

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

How should I store Amaryl?

Store at room temperature.