How Glimepiride works

Glimepiride is an anti-diabetic medication (sulphonylurea). It works by increasing the amount of insulin released by the pancreas in order to lower the blood glucose.

Side Effects

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level), Nausea, Headache, Dizziness

Usage

Glimepiride is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes
It is used in addition to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Does Glimepiride play any role in the treatment of Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?

No, Glimepiride is not known to have any role in the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Also, there is no clinical evidence available regarding the same.

Q. Is it safe to take Glimepiride and Sitagliptin together?

Yes, Sitagliptin and Glimepiride can be taken together as it can help in better control of blood sugar levels. However, the risk of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) can increase. Consult your doctor as a dose adjustment of the two may be needed.

Q. Is Glimepiride useful in the management for prediabetes?

Glimepiride is not used for the management of Prediabetes, a condition with blood glucose levels higher than normal but not high enough to label you as diabetic. There are clinical studies available, but the evidence is not strong enough for its use in prediabetes.

Q. How is Glimepiride different from teneligliptin?

Both Glimepiride and teneligliptin are effective in lowering blood glucose levels, bu they have different side effect profiles. Glimepiride commonly causes hypoglycemia and weight gain while teneligliptin causes headache and nasopharyngitis. Teneligliptin causes hypoglycemia when used along with insulins or sulfonylureas and does not cause weight gain.

Q. Can Glimepiride be given to elderly patients?

Yes, Glimepiride can be given to elderly patients. However they are more prone to the risk of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), so, a regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is important. Patients should be cautious of the symptoms of hypoglycemia and always keep a quick source of sugar with them like a candy or a fruit juice.

Q. Can Glimepiride cause pancreatitis?

No, pancreatitis has not been reported with Glimepiride. Some common side effects associated with the use of Glimepiride includes hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level), nausea, headache, and dizziness.

Q. Can I skip Glimepiride for few days?

No, Glimepiride should not be skipped, as it can make your diabetes worse. If, you miss the dose by mistake, take it as soon as you remember.

Q. Is it safe to take Glimepiride with pioglitazone?

Yes, it is safe to take Glimepiride with Pioglitazone in Patients with diabetes mellitus. Together they can control your blood sugar levels, lower plasma lipid levels and improve blood pressure. However, the risk of very low blood sugar levels can increase and the dose of these medicines may need to be adjusted.

Q. Can I take Glimepiride if I have a sulfa allergy?

Use of Glimepiride should be avoided if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to sulfonylureas or sulfonamides or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.

Q. Does Glimepiride cause hair loss?

No, hair loss is not seen with the use of Glimepiride. However, diabetes itself can lead to hair loss. Talk to your doctor if you have excessive hair loss as it could be due to some other underlying condition or it could be a sign of your diabetes getting worsened.

Q. Is it safe to take Glimepiride with vildagliptin?

Yes, Glimepiride and Vildagliptin can be taken together, as they can help in better control of blood sugar levels. However, the risk of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) can increase. Consult your doctor as a dose adjustment of the two may be needed.

Q. How is Glimepiride different from metformin?

Both metformin and Glimepiride are antidiabetic drugs and control blood sugar levels effectively. However, they work in different ways and have a different side effect profile. Metformin causes more of stomach upset, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and bloating while Glimepiride causes very low blood sugar levels and weight gain.

Q. How beneficial is it to take metformin with Glimepiride ?

Both metformin and Glimepiride are anti-diabetic drugs and when used together, they can control blood sugar levels in a much better way compared to either drug taken alone. However, Glimepiride can cause very low blood glucose levels, so a regular monitoring of blood glucose is very important.

Q. Is Glimepiride useful in the management of gestational diabetes?

Glimepiride is not advised to be used for the management of gestational diabetes. Use of Insulin is advised during pregnancy to control the blood glucose levels.

Q. Does Glimepiride cause weight gain?

Yes, Glimepiride can cause weight gain. It is advisable to closely monitor your diet and do regular exercise while taking this medicine. Avoid skipping your meal as it can cause very low blood sugar levels and you may end up snacking or taking a lot of sugars.

Q. Is there any benefit of taking Glimepiride with insulin?

Glimepiride, when used with insulin, can help to control high blood sugar levels. Taking them together can help to lower the dose of insulin but there could also be an increased risk of hypoglycemia. Dose of these medicines may need to be adjusted along with regular blood sugar level monitoring.

Q. How is teneligliptin different from Glimepiride ?

Both teneligliptin and Glimepiride are effective in lowering blood glucose levels, however, they work in different ways and have different side effect profile. Glimepiride commonly causes hypoglycemia and weight gain while teneligliptin causes hypoglycemia, especially when used with insulins or sulfonylureas and it does not cause any weight gain. It commonly causes a headache and nasopharyngitis.

Q. Is it safe to take Glimepiride with liraglutide?

Yes, Glimepiride and liraglutide can be taken together, as they can help in better control of blood sugar levels. However, the risk of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) can increase. Consult your doctor as a dose adjustment of the two may be needed.

Q. Is Glimepiride a statin?

No, Glimepiride is not a statin. It is an antidiabetic drug and is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes while Statins are lipid-lowering drugs.

Q. Is Glimepiride a Thiazolidinedione?

No, Glimepiride is not a Thiazolidinedione, it is a sulfonylurea. However, both are antidiabetic medicines but belong to a different group of medicines.

Q. Is Glimepiride a controlled drug?

No, Glimepiride is not a controlled drug. It is an antidiabetic drug and is available on providing a valid prescription by a doctor.

Q. Is Glimepiride a diuretic?

No, Glimepiride is not a diuretic. It is an antidiabetic drug and is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Q. Does Glimepiride have any addiction potential?

No, Glimepiride has no addiction potential as no withdrawal symptoms have been reported when you stop taking this drug.

Q. Is Glimepiride a blood thinner?

No, Glimepiride is not a blood thinner. It is an antidiabetic drug and is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Q. Is Glimepiride a beta blocker?

No, Glimepiride is not a beta blocker. It is an antidiabetic drug, is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.