Amaryl M Tab SR 1/500 Mg 30s-Potential Overview:

Brand Name: Amaryl M

Generic Name: Glimepiride / Metformin

Active Ingredient(s): Glimepiride (1 mg), Metformin (500 mg)

For the General Public:

Uses:

Amaryl M is used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus when blood sugar levels cannot be controlled with diet and exercise alone. It combines two active ingredients—Glimepiride (a sulfonylurea) and Metformin (a biguanide)—to help reduce blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin secretion and improving insulin sensitivity.

Dosage:

Take 1 tablet (1 mg glimepiride/500 mg metformin) once or twice daily with meals, or as prescribed by your doctor. Always follow the instructions on the packaging or as directed by your healthcare provider.

Possible Side Effects:

Some common side effects include dizziness, nausea, stomach upset, and headache. If you experience anything unusual, contact your healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

Serious (Less Common) Side Effects:

• Severe hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar)
• Lactic acidosis (rare, but serious condition caused by lactic acid buildup)
• Severe allergic reactions (e.g., swelling of the face, lips, or throat)
• Unexplained muscle pain or weakness

Important Information:

Dosage Instruction:

Take the medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Do not exceed the prescribed dose. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next dose. Do not double the dose.

Usage Instruction:

It is recommended to take Amaryl M with meals to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort and lower the risk of hypoglycemia.

General Information:

• Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to Glimepiride, Metformin, or any of the excipients in the tablet.
• Consult your doctor before using this medicine if you have kidney problems, liver disease, heart issues, or a history of lactic acidosis.
• If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using this medication.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• If you experience symptoms of low blood sugar (e.g., shaking, sweating, confusion), immediately consume a source of sugar and seek medical attention if needed.

Drug Interactions:

Interactions with Other Medications:

• Insulin or other oral anti-diabetic drugs: May increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
• Diuretics: May increase the risk of dehydration or lactic acidosis.
• Beta-blockers: May mask symptoms of low blood sugar.
• Corticosteroids: May increase blood sugar levels, interfering with diabetes control.

Interactions with Food:

• It is best to take this medication with food to help minimize gastrointestinal discomfort and reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. Alcohol should be consumed cautiously as it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis, especially in patients taking Metformin.

Regulatory Approval & Manufacturer:

Manufactured by [Manufacturer Name]. Regulatory approval for sale in [Country] has been obtained.

Antidotes (For Overdosage or Misuse):

In case of an overdose, especially of Metformin, contact a healthcare provider immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, and breathing difficulties. Lactic acidosis can occur in severe cases, which requires immediate medical attention.

For Pharmacists:

Medicine Name: Amaryl M Tab SR 1/500 Mg

Brand: Amaryl M

Active Ingredient(s): Glimepiride (1 mg), Metformin (500 mg)

Indications:

Indicated for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus, particularly for patients who are not adequately controlled by diet and exercise alone.

Pharmacodynamics:

Mechanism of Action:

• Glimepiride: A sulfonylurea that enhances insulin secretion from the pancreas by binding to the sulfonylurea receptor on beta cells.
• Metformin: A biguanide that reduces hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues (muscles and fat).

Pharmacological Effects:

The combination of Glimepiride and Metformin helps reduce blood glucose levels through two complementary mechanisms: increased insulin secretion (Glimepiride) and reduced hepatic glucose production and improved insulin sensitivity (Metformin).

Receptor Binding:

• Glimepiride binds to sulfonylurea receptors on pancreatic beta cells to increase insulin release.
• Metformin does not bind to receptors but works intracellularly to decrease gluconeogenesis in the liver.

Pharmacokinetics:

Absorption:

• Glimepiride: Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract with peak plasma concentration occurring around 2.5 hours.
• Metformin: Absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, with peak plasma concentration occurring around 2 to 3 hours post-dose.

Distribution:

Both drugs are widely distributed in body tissues:

• Glimepiride: 99% bound to plasma proteins.
• Metformin: Low plasma protein binding (~50-60%).

Metabolism:

• Glimepiride is metabolized by the liver into inactive metabolites.
• Metformin is not metabolized and is excreted unchanged by the kidneys.

Elimination:

• Glimepiride is primarily eliminated through the liver and excreted in urine.
• Metformin is primarily excreted via the kidneys.

Half-Life:

• Glimepiride: Approximately 5 to 9 hours.
• Metformin: Approximately 6 hours.

Bioavailability:

• Glimepiride: Approximately 100% following oral administration.
• Metformin: Approximately 50-60%.

Time to Peak Concentration:

• Glimepiride: ~2.5 hours.
• Metformin: ~2-3 hours.

Effect of Food:

• Taking this medication with food can help minimize gastrointestinal discomfort and may reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.

Dosage and Administration:

Adults:

• The typical starting dose is 1 tablet (1 mg glimepiride/500 mg metformin) once or twice daily, taken with meals. Dosage may be adjusted based on blood glucose levels.

Pediatric:

This medication is not typically recommended for use in children due to limited safety and efficacy data.

Special Populations:

• Elderly: Dose adjustment may be required due to potential renal impairment. Monitor kidney function regularly.
• Renal or Hepatic Impairment: Contraindicated in patients with severe renal or hepatic dysfunction.

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to Glimepiride, Metformin, or any of the excipients.
• Severe renal disease or acute kidney failure.
• Diabetic ketoacidosis.
• A history of lactic acidosis.

Warnings and Precautions:

• Use with caution in patients with renal dysfunction, liver disease, or a history of lactic acidosis.
• Monitor renal function regularly while on Metformin.
• Hypoglycemia may occur, particularly in combination with other anti-diabetic medications.

Drug-Drug Interactions for Pharmacist:

• Glimepiride: May interact with insulin, corticosteroids, diuretics, and beta-blockers, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.
• Metformin: May interact with drugs affecting renal function, such as ACE inhibitors or NSAIDs.

Drug-Food Interactions for Pharmacist:

• Alcohol: Increases the risk of lactic acidosis when used with Metformin, particularly in those with renal impairment.
• High-fat meals: May reduce the absorption of Metformin, but taking it with meals is recommended to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.

Adverse Reactions:

Common:

• Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Headache

Serious:

• Lactic acidosis
• Severe hypoglycemia
• Hepatic dysfunction

Therapeutic Effects:

This medication helps manage blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes through increased insulin sensitivity and enhanced insulin secretion.

Storage:

Store at room temperature (15°C – 30°C), in a light-resistant container.

Packaging:

Available in tablet form, in pack sizes of 30 tablets.

Clinical Considerations:

• Pregnancy Category: Category C (use only if clearly needed).
• Lactation Category: Not recommended during breastfeeding.
• Pediatric Category: Not recommended for children under 18 years of age.
• Geriatric Category: Elderly patients may require dose adjustments due to renal function changes.

Conclusion:

Amaryl M (Glimepiride/Metformin) is an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes. When taken according to the prescribed dosage, it can help control blood sugar levels and reduce the risks associated with hyperglycemia. However, careful monitoring for potential side effects like hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis is necessary. It is important to adhere to the prescribed dosage and be aware of possible drug interactions, especially with alcohol and other diabetic medications. Always consult a healthcare provider for guidance on managing diabetes with this medication.