DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Glimepiride (GLYE-me-pye-ride)
Brand Name: Amaryl

Amaryl is used for:

Treating patients with type 2 diabetes who cannot control blood sugar levels by diet and exercise alone. Amaryl may be used in combination with insulin.

Amaryl is a sulfonylurea. Amaryl lowers blood glucose (sugar) by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas gland. It also may help lower blood glucose by other actions on fat and muscle cells. Amaryl does not work in type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus because in this condition, the pancreas gland is not capable of making or releasing insulin.

Do NOT use Amaryl if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Amaryl
• you have type 1 diabetes, severe second or third degree burns, increased ketone levels, severely increased acid levels in your bodily fluids (acidosis), or a history of a diabetic coma
• you are pregnant and near delivery
• you are using bosentan or drink alcohol

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Amaryl :

Some medical conditions may interact with Amaryl . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have increased levels of acid in your bodily fluids (acidosis), a weak stomach, liver problems, intestinal problems, a high fever, kidney problems, severe diarrhea, an infection, or thyroid problems
• if you have recently suffered from major surgery or trauma, or you are debilitated or malnourished

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Amaryl . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Bosentanbecause liver problems may occur and the effectiveness may be decreased
• Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril), beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), certain medicines that act on the liver (eg, cimetidine, fluoxetine, miconazole, and others), chloramphenicol, clofibrate, fenfluramine, gemfibrozil, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (eg, phenelzine), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen, celecoxib), oral anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), probenecid, salicylates (eg, aspirin), or sulfonamides (eg, sulfamethoxazole) because the risk of abnormally low blood sugar levels (eg, hunger, shakiness or weakness, dizziness, headache, sweating) may be increased
• Birth control pills, certain medicines that act on the liver (eg, phenytoin, rifampin, and others), diazoxide, diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), estrogens (eg, estradiol), gemfibrozil, isoniazid, nicotinic acid, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), or certain stimulants (eg, albuterol, amphetamine, pseudoephedrine) because the effectiveness of Amaryl may be decreased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Amaryl may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Amaryl :

Use Amaryl as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• The usual dose is given once daily with breakfast or the first main meal of the day.
• If you miss a dose of Amaryl , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Amaryl .

Important safety information:

• Do not drink alcohol while you are using Amaryl . It can increase the risk of developing abnormally low blood sugar. Alcohol can sometimes interact with Amaryl and cause a serious reaction with symptoms such as facial flushing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or stomach pain.
• Sulfonylurea antidiabetic medicines have been associated with increased risk of death from heart disease. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks and benefits of using Amaryl and alternative treatments for your condition.
• Carry an identification card at all times that says you are diabetic. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly according to your doctor's directions. If your blood sugar level is often higher than it should be and you are taking Amaryl according to directions, check with your doctor.
• Amaryl may cause low blood sugar (eg, increased heartbeat, headache, chills, sweating, tremor, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting). It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you do not have a reliable source of glucose available, eat a quick source of sugar, such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or nondiet soda to quickly raise your blood sugar level. Tell your doctor immediately about the reaction. To prevent low blood sugar levels, eat meals on a regular schedule and do not skip meals.
• Use Amaryl with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially abnormally low blood sugar levels.
• Amaryl is not recommended for use in CHILDREN. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Amaryl during pregnancy. It is unknown if Amaryl is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Amaryl .

Possible side effects of Amaryl :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Dizziness; headache; nausea; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include coma; confusion; convulsions; lightheadedness; loss of consciousness; mild stomach pain; nausea; rapid pulse; seizures; stupor; sweating; tingling of the lips and tongue; tremor; vomiting.

Proper storage of Amaryl :

Store Amaryl at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Amaryl out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about this medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Amaryl is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Amaryl . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.