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In this Article

• What is glimepiride (Amaryl)?
• What are the possible side effects of glimepiride (Amaryl)?
• What is the most important information I should know about glimepiride (Amaryl)?
• What should I discuss with my doctor before taking glimepiride (Amaryl)?
• How should I take glimepiride (Amaryl)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Amaryl)?
• What happens if I overdose (Amaryl)?
• What should I avoid while taking glimepiride (Amaryl)?
• What other drugs will affect glimepiride (Amaryl)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking glimepiride (Amaryl)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to glimepiride, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Before you take glimepiride, tell your doctor if you have:

• heart disease;
• liver or kidney disease;
• an allergy to sulfa drugs;
• an enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD);
• adrenal or pituitary gland problems; or
• if you are under-nourished.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether glimepiride is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using glimepiride, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether glimepiride passes into breast milk or if it could be harmful to a nursing baby. Do not take glimepiride without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take glimepiride (Amaryl)?

Take glimepiride exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger or smaller amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your dose needs may change if you are ill, if you have a fever or infection, or if you have surgery or a medical emergency.

Do not change your dose of glimepiride without first talking to your doctor.

Glimepiride is usually taken once a day with breakfast or the first main meal of the day. Follow your doctor's instructions. Take glimepiride with a full glass of water.

Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low, causing hypoglycemia. You may have hypoglycemia if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress.

Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them. Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Sugar sources include orange juice, glucose gel, candy, or milk. Severe hypoglycemia may cause loss of consciousness, seizures, or death. If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use an injection of glucagon. Your doctor can give you a prescription for a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to give the injection.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, you will need to check your blood sugar at home. Your blood will also need to be tested by your doctor on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Glimepiride is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your blood sugar levels.

It is important to take glimepiride regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store glimepiride at room temperature away from moisture and heat.