Glimepiride + Metformin

Generic Details

Generic Name

Glimepiride-Metformin

Other Names

  • Amaryl-M
  • Glimcip-M
  • Gluconorm-G
  • Glimisave-M

Drug Class

  • Antidiabetic Combination

Chemical Formula

Molecular Weight

Mechanism of Action

  • Glimepiride stimulates the release of insulin from pancreatic beta cells by closing ATP-sensitive potassium channels. Metformin decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization.

Indications

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Common Dosage Forms

  • Tablet

Typical Dosage

  • The usual starting dose is one tablet of glimepiride 1 mg-metformin 500 mg taken once daily with meals. Dosage may be titrated based on patient response.

Pediatric Dosage

    Geriatric Dosage

      Side Effects

      • Hypoglycemia
      • Nausea
      • Vomiting
      • Diarrhea
      • Metallic taste
      • Hypoglycemia when used in combination with insulin or other antidiabetic agents

      Contraindications

      • Hypersensitivity to either glimepiride or metformin
      • Severe renal impairment, metabolic acidosis, diabetic ketoacidosis

      Pregnancy Category

      • Category C for glimepiride
      • Category B for metformin (extended-release version is Category B)

      Lactation Safety

      • Metformin is excreted into human milk; it is recommended to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug.

      Drug Interactions

      • Alcohol can potentiate the effect of both drugs on lowering blood sugar levels.
      • Glimepiride can interact with certain medications like NSAIDs, salicylates, sulfonamides, etc.
      • Metformin can interact with cimetidine, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, and others.

      Overdose Symptoms

      • Hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis

      Antidote for Overdose

      • Glucose for hypoglycemia, supportive measures for lactic acidosis

      Storage Conditions

      • Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

      Pharmacokinetics

      • Absorption:
      • Distribution:
      • Metabolism:
      • Excretion:

      Precautions

      • Monitor renal function regularly as metformin can cause lactic acidosis in patients with renal impairment.
      • Regular blood sugar monitoring is essential to prevent hypoglycemia.

      Warnings

      • May cause hypoglycemia; caution in the elderly and in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.
      • Potential risk of lactic acidosis with metformin use, especially in patients with risk factors like renal impairment.