Amaryl Tab 3 Mg 3×10’s-Potential Overview:

Medicine Name: Glimepiride
Brand: Amaryl
Active Ingredient(s): Glimepiride

For the General Public:

Uses: This medicine is commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by increasing the amount of insulin released by your pancreas to lower blood sugar levels.

• Dosage: Take 1 tablet once daily with breakfast or the first main meal. Always follow the instructions on the packaging or as prescribed by your doctor.

• Possible Side Effects: Some common side effects may include dizziness, nausea, headache, and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). If you experience anything unusual, contact your healthcare provider.

o Common Side Effects: Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), headache, nausea, dizziness, and mild weight gain.

o Serious (Less Common) Side Effects: Severe hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, jaundice, or liver enzyme abnormalities.

• Important Information:

o Dosage Instruction: Take 3 mg daily with food, or as directed by your doctor. Do not exceed the prescribed dose.

o Usage Instruction: Take this drug with food, preferably during or immediately after a meal, to reduce the risk of low blood sugar.

o General Information: – Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to glimepiride or other sulfonylureas, or have a history of diabetic ketoacidosis.
– If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before use.
– Keep out of reach of children.
– 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.

• Drug Interactions:

o Interactions with Other Medications: May interact with other diabetes medications, NSAIDs, or beta-blockers.

o Interactions with Food: Alcohol may increase the risk of low blood sugar.

Regulatory Approval & Manufacturer: Sanofi-Aventis.

Antidotes (If Overdosed or Misused by Patients): In cases of overdose, administer glucose or sugary drinks immediately. Seek emergency medical attention.

For Pharmacists:

Medicine Name: Glimepiride
Brand: Amaryl
Active Ingredient(s): Glimepiride

Indications: Indicated for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults.

Pharmacodynamics:

• Mechanism of Action: The active ingredient, glimepiride, acts as a sulfonylurea by stimulating pancreatic beta cells to release insulin. It also increases insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues.

• Pharmacological Effects: Reduces blood glucose levels by enhancing insulin secretion and improving insulin utilization.

• Receptor Binding: Binds to sulfonylurea receptors on pancreatic beta cells to modulate insulin release.

Pharmacokinetics:

• Absorption: Rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentration occurring within 2-3 hours.

• Distribution: Extensively bound to plasma proteins (~99%).

• Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver by CYP2C9 enzymes to two inactive metabolites.

• Elimination: Primarily excreted in urine (60%) and feces (40%).

• Half-Life: Approximately 5-8 hours.

• Bioavailability: High oral bioavailability (~100%).

• Time to Peak Concentration: 2-3 hours post-administration.

• Effect of Food: Food may slightly delay absorption but does not affect overall bioavailability.

Dosage and Administration:

• Adults: Initial dose: 1 mg daily. Maintenance dose: 1-3 mg daily, based on blood sugar response. Maximum dose: 8 mg daily.

• Pediatric: Not recommended for use in children.

• Special Populations: Start with the lowest dose in elderly patients or those with renal or hepatic impairment.

Contraindications:

• Known hypersensitivity to glimepiride, sulfonylureas, or excipients. • Contraindicated in patients with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Warnings and Precautions:

• Use with caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment. • Monitor for signs of hypoglycemia, especially in elderly or malnourished patients.

Drug-Drug Interactions for Pharmacist:

• Potential interactions with insulin, metformin, NSAIDs, and beta-blockers. • Increased risk of hypoglycemia when combined with alcohol or other glucose-lowering agents.

Drug-Food Interactions for Pharmacist:

• Alcohol may potentiate or weaken the hypoglycemic effect of glimepiride.

Adverse Reactions:

• Common: Hypoglycemia, headache, nausea, dizziness, and mild weight gain.

• Serious: Severe hypoglycemia, liver dysfunction, jaundice, or allergic reactions (e.g., rash, pruritus).

Therapeutic Effects:

• Lowers blood sugar levels and improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes.

Storage: Store at 15-30°C (59-86°F), in a light-resistant and airtight container.

Packaging: Available in tablet form, 3 mg strength, in blister packs of 3×10 tablets.

Clinical Considerations:

• Pregnancy Category: Category C. Use only if potential benefits justify the risks.

• Lactation Category: Not recommended. If treatment is necessary, discontinue breastfeeding.

• Pediatric Category: Safety and efficacy not established in children.

• Geriatric Category: Start at a lower dose due to the increased risk of hypoglycemia.

• Adult Category: Standard dosing as per glycemic response.

• Other Considerations: Adjust dose based on regular monitoring of blood glucose and HbA1c levels.

Conclusion: Amaryl (glimepiride) is an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus when used according to prescribed instructions. It helps improve glycemic control and reduces the risk of complications associated with diabetes. Patients should adhere to proper dosage guidelines and be aware of potential side effects, especially hypoglycemia. Pharmacists should counsel patients on drug interactions, usage instructions, and the importance of regular monitoring. Proper storage and disposal of the medication are also essential for maintaining its effectiveness and safety.