Glimepizide Tablet 4mg (Gliclazide)

Adult dose

Dosage should be individually adjusted for each patient. This medication is taken orally once a day, swallowed without chewing, with more than 1/2 cup of water. It should be taken before breakfast or immediately before the first meal. Begin with 1 mg of glimepiride once daily, and if necessary, increase the dose by 1 mg every 1 to 2 weeks. Generally, doses greater than 4 mg offer little additional effect, although some patients have shown better metabolic control with doses increased up to 6 mg (or 8 mg). If dosing 4 mg daily fails, consider switching to insulin therapy, or if not, consider combining with insulin or other oral hypoglycemic medications.

This medication is not to be used in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes or those in diabetic ketoacidosis or coma. Additionally, it is safer not to administer this medication or its ingredients to patients with known allergies or severely impaired liver or kidney function. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, as well as nursing mothers, should not take this medication. Patients with severe infections or those undergoing surgery, or those in severe trauma situations are advised to avoid this medication because insulin therapy is recommended. Patients with gastrointestinal disorders should be cautious due to the risk of hypoglycemia from impaired food absorption. This medication contains lactose and should not be given to patients with lactose intolerance or specific genetic metabolic disorders. During the first week of treatment, there is a higher risk of hypoglycemia, and blood sugar should be closely monitored, especially in elderly patients, those with poor nutritional status, individuals with irregular eating habits, or patients with reduced kidney or liver function. Additionally, the risk of hypoglycemia may increase in patients with certain endocrine disorders or those taking other medications, so it is essential to inform the attending physician or pharmacist. This medication can cause hypoglycemia, with symptoms including headaches, severe hunger, nausea, fatigue, confusion, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness; therefore, immediate action should be taken if these symptoms occur. Transient blurred vision may occur, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Serious side effects such as liver dysfunction or changes in blood cell counts can occur, so any unusual symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional. An allergic reaction can cause skin rashes, itching, and, in severe cases, breathing difficulties or shock, so if hives occur, immediate consultation with a physician is necessary. When taking this medication, dietary and exercise therapies should be maintained, and sugars should be consumed promptly to alleviate symptoms in cases of hypoglycemia. Furthermore, when receiving treatment at other hospitals or pharmacies, it is crucial to inform them about the use of this medication and the diabetic condition, and insulin therapy may be initiated during stressful situations or infections. Elderly patients should be cautious about dosage adjustments due to the potential for increased drug concentrations due to declining kidney function. In cases of overdose, severe hypoglycemia may occur, necessitating immediate emergency treatment, and appropriate care should be followed according to the physician’s directives. The safety and efficacy of this medication in children have not been established, so it should not be used in pediatric patients. When storing, keep it out of reach of children, and store it in its original container.

Serious side effects

Hives, severe swelling (edema), difficulty breathing, hypotension, anaphylaxis, angioedema, skin and mucous membrane syndrome (Stevens-Johnson syndrome), jaundice, liver function failure, severe blood count changes (including thrombocytopenic purpura), severe hypoglycemia, stroke-like symptoms (seizures, confusion, etc.).

Mild side effects

• Headaches
• severe hunger
• nausea
• vomiting
• fatigue
• sleep disturbances
• anxiety
• aggressiveness
• decreased concentration
• lowered agility or activity

This medication should be stored in a sealed container to protect it from air and moisture. It is important to maintain a storage temperature between 1 degree and 30 degrees Celsius, at room temperature.

Appearance

Light blue oblong tablet

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 500 tablets/bottle