Amaryl.
Tuesday, September 25th, 2007GLIMEPIRIDE (Amaryl®) helps to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Treatment is combined with a suitable diet and balanced exercise. Glimepiride increases the amount of insulin released from the pancreas and helps your body to use insulin more efficiently. Generic glimepiride tablets are available.Â
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? Â
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- diabetic ketoacidosis
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- major surgery
- severe infection or injury
- thyroid disease
- an unusual or allergic reaction to glimepiride, sulfonamides, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnancy or recent attempts to get pregnant
- breast-feeding Take glimepiride tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your dose at the same time each day, with breakfast or your first large meal; do not take more often than directed. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.Elderly patients over 65 years old can have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
 If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with glimepiride?
Take glimepiride tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your dose at the same time each day, with breakfast or your first large meal; do not take more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Elderly patients over 65 years old can have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
bosentan
medicines for fungal or yeast infections (examples: fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole)
rifampin
warfarinMany medications may cause changes (increase or decrease) in blood sugar, these include:
alcohol containing beverages
aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems (examples include atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol)
chromiumÂ
female hormones, such as estrogens or progestins, birth control pills
isoniazid
male hormones or anabolic steroids
medications for weight loss
medicines for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough
niacin
pentamidine
phenytoin
quinolone antibiotics (examples: ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin)
some herbal dietary supplements
steroid medicines such as prednisone or cortisone
thyroid hormones
water pills (diuretics)Tell your prescriber or health care professional: about all other medicines you are taking including nonprescription medicines; if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol; if you smoke; or if you use illegal drugs. These can affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.Â
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- anxiety or nervousness, confusion, difficulty concentrating
- blurred vision
- breathing difficulties or excessive phlegm
- cold sweats, increased sweating
- cool, pale skin
- coughing up blood
- dark yellow or brown urine
- dizziness, drowsiness
- excessive hunger
- fast heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain
- fever, chills, sore throat
- seizures (convulsions)
- tremor or shakiness
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual tiredness or weakness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- diarrhea
- headache
- heartburn, stomach discomfort
- increased sensitivity to the sun
- nausea, vomiting
- skin rash, redness, swelling, or itching.