Glimepiride

Generic Name

Glimepiride

Other Names

• Amaryl
• Diapride
• Glimy

Drug Class

• Sulfonylurea

Chemical Formula

C24H34N4O5S

Molecular Weight

490.61 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

• Stimulates insulin release from pancreatic beta cells

Indications

• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Common Dosage Forms

• Tablet

Typical Dosage

• 1-4 mg orally once daily

Pediatric Dosage

• Not established

Geriatric Dosage

• May require lower starting dose

Side Effects

• Hypoglycemia
• Weight gain
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea

Contraindications

• Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Severe renal or hepatic impairment

Pregnancy Category

• C

Lactation Safety

• Not recommended, may excrete into breast milk

Drug Interactions

• NSAIDs
• Beta-blockers
• Alcohol

Overdose Symptoms

• Hypoglycemia
• Seizures
• Coma

Antidote for Overdose

• Glucose
• Diazoxide

Storage Conditions

• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat

Pharmacokinetics

• Absorption: Rapidly absorbed from the GI tract
• Distribution: Highly protein-bound
• Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver
• Excretion: Mainly in the urine

Precautions

• Monitor blood glucose levels regularly
• Use with caution in elderly patients

Warnings

• Risk of hypoglycemia, especially in elderly patients

Others

• May increase the risk of cardiovascular mortality