Glimepiride

Drug #1137

Glimepiride is oral hypoglycemic agent. It belongs to sulfonylurea class. Glimepiride is chemically identidied as 1-p-2-(3-ethyl-4-methyl-2-oxo-3 pyrroline-1-carboxamido) ethyl-phenylsulfonyl-3-(trans-4-methylcyclohexyl) urea. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1995 as an adjunct to diet and exercise to lower the blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes whose hyperglycemia cannot be controlled by diet and exercise alone.

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Primary Characteristics

It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Sulphonyl Urea.

It belongs to Potassium Channel (ATP sensitive) antagonist pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Antidiabetic Agent, Sulfonylurea pharmacological group.

Molecular Weight: 490.6 · Solubility in Water: Insoluble · Solubility in Alcohol: Very Slightly soluble · Non-proprietary name: Glimepiride.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Glimepiride has an oral bioavailability is 50% (±50%).

Distribution: Glimepiride has a volume of distribution is 8.8 litre. plasma protein binding is > 99.5 %.

Elimination: it is metabolised via Hepatfc, plasma half-life is 9 hr, renal excretion is 60 %.

Indications

Glimepiride is primarily indicated in conditions like NIDDM.

Contraindications

Glimepiride is contraindicated in conditions like Diabetic ketoacidosis.

Dosage

Glimepiride's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
1.5 mg	1.5 mg	Every 24h	PO	Initial
4 mg	4 mg	Every 24h	PO	Maintenance
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
0 – 0	—	—	—	Not Recommended in this Age Group
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
0 – 0	—	—		Not recommended in this age group

Drug Interactions

2 interactions

Moderate2 interactions

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Glimepiride in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Thrombocytopenia , Jaundice , Jaundice , Hepatitus, Haumolytic anaemia.

Glimepiride is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Anorexia , Diarrhea, Edema, Epigastric discomfort, Headache, Hypoglycemia, Hyponatremia, Nausea and vomiting, Photosensitivity, Rashes , Urticaria.

Warnings / Precautions

Glimepiride should be used with caution in patients with diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease or if have any allergy. During times of stress such as fever, infection, injury or surgery, it may be more difficult to control blood sugar, consult the doctor or pharmacist if additional medication may be required. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Must be taken shortly before meals.

Available Brands

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Single Ingredient

Tabs

1 mg 2 mg 3 mg 4 mg

Multi-Ingredient Combinations

Tabs

1 mg 2 mg 4 mg 930 mg

Storage Conditions

Glimepiride should be stored Tab.

Drug Classification

1.18.7.2 — Oral hypoglycemics