Drug Name

Amaryl (Glimepiride)

Drug Uses

Amaryl is used for treating type 2 diabetes in patients who cannot control blood sugar levels by diet and exercise alone. It is used along with diet and exercise. It may be used alone or with other antidiabetic medicines.

How to use

Use Amaryl as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Take Amaryl by mouth with breakfast or the first main meal of the day unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Amaryl works best if it is taken at the same time each day. Continue to take Amaryl even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Amaryl is a sulfonylurea antidiabetic medicine. It causes the pancreas to release insulin, which helps to lower blood sugar.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Amaryl, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Amaryl if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Amaryl
• you have certain severe problems associated with diabetes (eg, diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic coma)
• you have moderate to severe burns, or very high blood acid levels (acidosis)
• you are taking bosentan

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Amaryl . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have had a severe allergic reaction (eg, a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, dizziness) to any other sulfonamide medicine, such as acetazolamide, celecoxib, certain diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide), glipizide, probenecid, sulfamethoxazole, valdecoxib, or zonisamide
• if you have a history of stroke or liver, kidney, thyroid, heart, or blood vessel problems
• if you have stomach or bowel problems (eg, stomach or bowel blockage, stomach paralysis), drink alcohol, or have had poor nutrition
• if you have type 1 diabetes, very poor health, a high fever, a severe infection, severe diarrhea, or high blood acid levels, or have had a severe injury
• if you have a history of certain hormonal problems (eg, adrenal or pituitary problems, syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone [SIADH]), or low blood sodium levels
• if you will be having surgery

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Amaryl . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Bosentan because liver problems may occur; the effectiveness of both medicines may be decreased
• Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol) because the risk of low blood sugar may be increased. They may also hide certain signs of low blood sugar and make it more difficult to notice
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril), anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), azole antifungals (eg, miconazole, ketoconazole), chloramphenicol, clofibrate, fenfluramine insulin, metformin, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (eg, phenelzine), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen), phenylbutazone, probenecid, quinolone antibiotics (eg, ciprofloxacin), salicylates (eg, aspirin), or sulfonamides (eg, sulfamethoxazole) because the risk of low blood sugar may be increased
• Calcium channel blockers (eg, diltiazem), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), decongestants (eg, pseudoephedrine), diazoxide, diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), estrogens, hormonal contraceptives (eg, birth control pills), isoniazid, niacin, phenothiazines (eg, promethazine), phenytoin, rifamycins (eg, rifampin), sympathomimetics (eg, albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), or thyroid supplements (eg, levothyroxine) because they may decrease Amaryl 's effectiveness, resulting in high blood sugar
• Gemfibrozil because blood sugar may be increased or decreased

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Nausea.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain or irregular heartbeat; confusion; dark urine; fainting; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; low blood sugar symptoms (eg, anxiety, dizziness, drowsiness, fast heartbeat, headache, lightheadedness, tremors, unusual sweating, weakness); severe or persistent blurred vision or other vision problems; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

More Information

If you have any questions about Amaryl , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Amaryl is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.