Common use
Amaryl is an oral blood sugar-lowering drug which belongs to the class of sulfonylureas. Active substance is Glimepiride. It is used together with diet and exercise to treat type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes. The mechanism of its action is to stimulate the secretion and release of insulin from beta cells of the pancreas (pancreatic effect). Amaryl is used to treat non-insulin depending diabetes (type 2) as monotherapy or in combination with insulin (or metformin).

Dosage and direction

The best dose is determined by a physician on a basis of regular measurements of blood sugar content.

Precautions

Be careful your sugar does not fall too low due to stress, skipping a meal, exercising too long, or drinking alcohol. Know signs of hypoglycemia and keep a source of sugar at hand. If your sugar level is too high you may feel very thirsty or hungry. You may also urinate more than usual. Take this medication exactly as prescribed as it is a part of a complicated program consisting of diet, medication, and exercise routines. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, have adrenal or pituitary gland problems before taking this medication.

Contraindication

Amaryl is contraindicated in patients with history of diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic coma and prekoma, insulin-dependent diabetes (type 1), severe renal dysfunction, severe hepatic impairment, individual hypersensitivity to Amaryl, other members of sulfonylurea class and sulfonamides.

Possible side effect

If you have any signs of allergic reaction to this medication such as hives, swelling of face and throat, rash or other major symptoms (severe skin rash, itching, redness, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, numbness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, abdominal pain, fever, nausea)seek for immediate medical help.

Drug interaction

Diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril, Ezide, Hydro-Par, Microzide, furosemide (Lasix)), corticosteroids such as prednisone and methylprednisolone (Medrol), phenytoin (Dilantin), niacin, and sympathomimetics such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) are able to increase blood sugar and diminish effect of Amaryl. Propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin) belong to beta-blockers and also are able to affect blood levels and decrease activity of Amaryl.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember about it. If it is almost time of your next dose just skip it and return to your regular schedule.

Overdose

Immediate medical attention is needed in case you took too much medicine. Possible side effects include: extreme weakness, confusion, blurred vision, stomach pain, trouble speaking, tremors, sweating, seizure, and coma.

Storage

Store at room temperature in a tight container and keep away from sunlight, moisture, kids and pets.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information on the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Please find the full description of Amaryl at Drugs.com and general information at Wikipedia