Amaryl (Glimepiride) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 8, 2012

Amaryl

Oral Diabetes Prescription Medications »

What are oral diabetes medications and how do they work?

Insulin is a hormone produced by cells in the pancreas called beta cells. Insulin helps the body use blood glucose (a type of sugar) for energy. People with type 2 diabetes do not make enough insulin and/or their bodies do not respond well to it, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Oral diabetes medications bring blood sugar levels into the normal range through a variety of ways.

For what conditions are diabetes pills used?

Oral diabetes medications are only used to treat type 2 or non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Patients with type 1 diabetes are dependent on insulin for their treatment.

Are there differences among types of oral diabetes medications?

Medications that increase insulin production

The earliest oral diabetes drugs were the sulfonylureas. These work by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insu...

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AMARYL®
(glimepiride) Tablets 1, 2, and 4 mg

DRUG DESCRIPTION

AMARYL® (glimepiride tablets) is an oral blood-glucose-lowering drug of the sulfonylurea class. Glimepiride is a white to yellowish-white, crystalline, odorless to practically odorless powder formulated into tablets of 1-mg, 2-mg, and 4-mg strengths for oral administration. AMARYL tablets contain the active ingredient glimepiride and the following inactive ingredients: lactose (hydrous), sodium starch glycolate, povidone, microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate. In addition, AMARYL (glimepiride) 1-mg tablets contain Ferric Oxide Red, AMARYL (glimepiride) 2-mg tablets contain Ferric Oxide Yellow and FD&C Blue #2 Aluminum Lake, and AMARYL (glimepiride) 4-mg tablets contain FD&C Blue #2 Aluminum Lake.

Chemically, glimepiride is identified as 1-[[p-[2-(3-ethyl-4-methyl-2-oxo-3-pyrroline-1carboxamido) ethyl]phenyl]sulfonyl]-3-(trans-4-methylcyclohexyl)urea.

The CAS Registry Number is 93479-97-1

The structural formula is:

AMARYL® (glimepiride) Structural Formula Illustration

Molecular Formula: C₂₄H₃₄N₄O₅S
Molecular Weight: 490.62

Glimepiride is practically insoluble in water.

What are the possible side effects of glimepiride (Amaryl)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

severe skin rash, itching, redness, or irritation;
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, fever, unusual weakness;
numbness or tingly feeling;
trouble breathing;
feeling like you might pass out;
dark urine, clay-colored stools;

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Amaryl »

What are the precautions when taking glimepiride (Amaryl)?

Before taking glimepiride, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: metabolic conditions (e.g., diabetic ketoacidosis).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease, certain hormonal conditions (adrenal/pituitary insufficiency, SIADH-syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone), mineral imbalance...

Read All Potential Precautions of Amaryl »

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/6/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.