Health Library

Glimepiride (By mouth)

Glimepiride (glye-MEP-ir-ide)

Treats type 2 diabetes.

Brand Name(s):

Amaryl, Glimepiride AvPak

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Take this medicine with breakfast or your first main meal of the day, unless your doctor tells you differently.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some foods and medicines can affect how glimepiride works. Tell your doctor if you are using cyclophosphamide, danazol, disopyramide, fluoxetine, miconazole, niacin, pentoxifylline, phenobarbital, phenytoin, probenecid, propoxyphene, somatropin, sulfinpyrazone, or a blood thinner (such as warfarin).
• Tell your doctor if you are also using a beta-blocker or ACE inhibitor blood pressure medicine, stomach medicine, cholesterol medicine, birth control pills, medicine to treat an infection, an NSAID pain or arthritis medicine, a sulfa medicine, an MAO inhibitor, a diuretic (water pill), thyroid medicine, or medicine to treat asthma.
• There are many other drugs that can interact with glimepiride and affect your blood sugar levels. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
• If you are also taking colesevelam, take it at least 4 hours after you take glimepiride.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart or blood vessel problems, adrenal or pituitary gland problems, or G6PD deficiency. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Higher risk of heart or blood vessel problems
  • Low blood sugar
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, lightheadedness, hunger, confusion
• Trouble breathing, tiredness, uneven heartbeat, yellow skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Weight gain

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024