Glimepiride

Glimepiride is a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by helping the pancreas produce more insulin and allowing the cells of the body to respond better to insulin. As a result, blood sugar levels decrease. Glimepiride comes in tablet form and in six different strengths, varying from 1 mg to 8 mg, and should be taken orally once daily with the first meal of the day. Potential side effects of this drug include nausea, headaches, and weakness.

 

What Is Glimepiride?

Glimepiride (Amaryl®) is a prescription medication that is used to treat type 2 diabetes (also known as noninsulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes).
 
(Click What Is Glimepiride Used For? for more information on what glimepiride is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Glimepiride?

Glimepiride is made by sanofi-aventis. Generic glimepiride is made by several manufacturers.
 

How Does Glimepiride Work?

Glimepiride is part of a class of diabetes medications known as sulfonylureas. A sulfonylurea, such as glimepiride, helps the pancreas to produce more insulin. It also helps body's cells to respond better to insulin. As a result, blood sugar levels decrease.
 

Glimepiride Effects

In studies looking at the effects of glimepiride, people who took glimepiride decreased their hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) by 2 percent compared to people who did not take glimepiride. HbA1c is a test used to measure long-term blood sugar control in people with diabetes. Normal HbA1c levels are usually less than 6 percent in people without diabetes; people with diabetes usually have higher HbA1c results.
 
Studies have shown that the higher the HbA1c, the greater the chance for developing long-term problems related to diabetes. This includes such problems as heart disease, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy. By getting blood sugar levels under control with glimepiride, it may be possible to decrease the chances for developing these diabetes complications.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;