Side Effects of Glimepiride

As with any medication, there are potential side effects of glimepiride, including dizziness, weakness, and nausea. Most people, however, tolerate the medication well. If you experience more serious side effects, such as shortness of breath, cold sweats, or chest pain, you should report them immediately to your healthcare provider.

 

Glimepiride Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects of glimepiride (Amaryl®). However, not everyone who takes glimepiride will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate glimepiride well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
(The side effects discussed below are not a complete list of side effects reported with glimepiride. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of glimepiride side effects with you.)
 

Common Glimepiride Side Effects

Glimepiride has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials, with many people having been evaluated. In these studies, side effects that occurred in a group of people taking the drug are always documented and compared to side effects that occurred in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. Based on these studies, the most common glimepiride side effects include:
 
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) -- occurring in up to 1.7 percent of people (see Amaryl and Blood Sugar)
  • Dizziness -- in up to 1.7 percent
  • Weakness -- in up to 1.6 percent
  • Headache -- in up to 1.5 percent
  • Upset stomach (nausea) -- in up to 1.1 percent.
     
(Side Effects of Glimepiride Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;