Table of contents:
- Use
- What's Amaryl for?
- What are the rules for using Amaryl?
- What are the rules for keeping Amaryl?
- Dose
- What is the dosage of Amaryl for adults?
- What is the dosage of Amaryl for children?
- In what dosages and preparations is Amaryl available?
- Side effects
- What side effects may occur due to consumption of Amaryl?
- Warnings and Precautions
- What should I pay attention to before taking Amaryl?
- Drug Interactions
- What medicines may interact with Amaryl?
- Overdose
- What should I do in an emergency or overdose?
- What if I miss my medication schedule?
Use
What's Amaryl for?
Amaryl is an oral diabetes medication that is used to help control blood sugar levels. This medication is used in conjunction with a proper diet and exercise program to help patients with type 2 diabetes avoid kidney damage, nerve problems, blindness, limb amputation, and problems with sexual function. Proper blood sugar control can also help people with diabetes reduce their risk of having a heart attack and stroke.
Glimepiride is the main ingredient in Amaryl, in other words, this drug is a trademark of glimepiride. This drug belongs to the sulfonylurea class of treatment. The way it works is by encouraging the release of insulin produced by the body and increasing the body's sensitivity in responding to insulin.
The use of this drug can be combined with other diabetes medications if needed. Amaryl is not intended for people with type one diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis.
What are the rules for using Amaryl?
Take this drug as directed by your doctor. Amaryl is an oral medication that is usually taken once a day. Take this medicine with the help of drinking water before breakfast or the first meal of the day.
To minimize the risk of side effects, your doctor may give you a low dose of Amaryl at the start of treatment and increase it gradually. Do not change your dose or stop medication without discussing it with your doctor even if you feel better.
If you are also taking other diabetes medications, such as chlorpropamide, follow your doctor's directions carefully about stopping any prolonged medication and switching to Amaryl.
Take this medicine regularly for the desired results. To make it easier for you to remember, take this medication at the same time each day. If your condition does not improve, even gets worse, contact your doctor immediately to make a dosage adjustment.
What are the rules for keeping Amaryl?
Store Amaryl at room temperature. Keep away from places exposed to direct sunlight and heat. Do not store this medicine in a damp place. Do not store this medication in the bathroom. Store Amaryl in its original tightly closed container. Read the storage instructions listed on the medicine packaging. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has reached its expiration date or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.
Dose
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.
What is the dosage of Amaryl for adults?
Starting dose: 1 - 2 mg, once daily, at the same time as breakfast or the first meal of the day
Can be increased by 1-2 mg every one or two weeks
Maximum daily dose: 8 mg
What is the dosage of Amaryl for children?
Dosage and administration for pediatric patients have not been established.
In what dosages and preparations is Amaryl available?
Tablet, Oral: 1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg
Side effects
What side effects may occur due to consumption of Amaryl?
Nausea and stomach pain can occur as a result of consuming Amaryl. If the condition persists and even gets worse, contact your doctor immediately.
Call your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Pale or yellowing skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness
- Hypersensitive skin reactions characterized by fever, sore throat, swelling of the face or tongue, burning eyes, a reddish or purplish rash that spreads (especially on the face and upper body), and peeling skin.
Common side effects of consuming Amaryl include:
- Headache
- Dizziness and weakness
- Nausea
- Flu symptoms
Allergic reactions are known to occur rarely due to consumption of this drug. However, if you notice an allergic reaction, such as itching, rash, redness, swelling of the face (eyes and lips) / tongue / throat, and shortness of breath, contact your doctor immediately for help.
Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Warnings and Precautions
What should I pay attention to before taking Amaryl?
- Before taking Amaryl, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies to glimepiride, sulfonylureas, or any other medications. Amaryl may contain other ingredients that can cause allergies. Also inform your doctor about any other allergies you have, such as allergies to food or certain conditions
- Tell your doctor about your medical history, including past and current illnesses, especially liver disease, kidney disease or dialysis, thyroid gland disorders, certain hormonal conditions, deficiency of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase ( inherited conditions that cause the breakdown of red blood cells more quickly)
- You may experience visual disturbances, weakness, and drowsiness due to changes in blood sugar levels. Do not engage in activities that require high alertness, such as driving, after taking Amaryl before knowing how your body responds to this drug.
- This medication may make you more sensitive to sunlight. Limit yourself to sun exposure. Use sun cream and protective clothing when outdoors. If you experience sunburn or redness, tell your doctor
- Before undergoing surgery, including dental surgery, inform all the products you use, including prescription / non-prescription drugs, and herbal products.
- If you are taking colesevelam, take it at least four hours after taking Amaryl
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy. The use of Amaryl in pregnant women is only permitted if the resulting benefits outweigh any possible risks to the fetus. Consult with your doctor about alternative treatments that may be done in a condition that is pregnant and requires blood sugar control
Drug Interactions
What medicines may interact with Amaryl?
Certain drugs cannot be taken together because they will cause drug interactions. Drug interactions can change how your medications work or increase your risk of serious side effects. However, if needed, your doctor may prescribe the two drugs together and set the schedule and frequency of administering the drugs.
Some of the drugs that may cause interactions are:
- Anabolic steroids
- Insulin and other diabetes drugs
- Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, metoprolol, timolol
- Glucagon
- Laxatives
- The hormones estrogen and progesterone
- Phenothiazines
- Bactrim
- Anticoagulants
- Aspirin
- Tetracyclines
- Thiazide diuretics
The list above is not an exhaustive list of the products that may interact. Tell your doctor if you use the above products and all the products you consume, including prescription or nonprescription, vitamins, and herbal medicines.
Overdose
What should I do in an emergency or overdose?
Amaryl overdose can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia. Immediately call for emergency medical assistance (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department when experiencing symptoms of an overdose. Symptoms of hypoglycemia can include weakness, tremors, confusion, sweating, fast heartbeat, difficulty communicating, nausea, vomiting, fainting, and seizures.
What if I miss my medication schedule?
If you miss a dose because you forgot it, take it as soon as you remember. If the distance is too close to the next schedule, ignore the missed dose and continue taking the medication on the original schedule. Don't double the dose.