Glimepiride Tablet (Glimepiride)

Adult dose

This medication is administered orally once daily. 1. Monotherapy - Initial dose: Start at 1 mg once daily and increase by 1 mg at 1- to 2-week intervals. Generally, little additional effect is seen at doses above 4 mg, though up to 6 mg or 8 mg can be increased. Consider switching to insulin therapy or combination therapy if the dose of 4 mg once daily fails. 2. Combination therapy - Administer with insulin if combined: 8 mg once daily with the first meal, and initiate insulin at a low dose, increasing approximately weekly according to fasting blood glucose levels. Once stabilized, daily monitoring of capillary blood glucose is required. Periodic adjustment of insulin dosage is necessary based on blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c monitoring.

This medication should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes who are insulin-dependent, or in cases of diabetic ketoacidosis or coma. Patients who have had an allergic reaction to this medication or its components, or similar classes of drugs should not be administered this medication. It is recommended that patients with severe liver or kidney impairment do not use this medication and switch to insulin therapy instead. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also avoid this medication, and if necessary, switch to insulin therapy. Insulin therapy is recommended for patients with severe infections, before and after surgery, or severe trauma instead of this medication. Caution should be exercised if gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea or vomiting occur, as this medication may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. During the first week of taking this medication, the risk of hypoglycemia is high, so blood sugar levels should be closely monitored, especially in the elderly or patients with irregular meals or poor nutritional status. Patients who frequently consume alcohol or have weakened renal or liver function may also be sensitive to the effects of this medication. When taking other medications concurrently, interactions may lead to changes in blood sugar control; therefore, consultation with a physician or pharmacist is necessary. This medication can cause hypoglycemia, with symptoms including headache, severe hunger, nausea, fatigue, confusion, drowsiness, reduced consciousness, etc., and if symptoms occur, sugar should be immediately ingested. In severe cases, emergency treatment at a hospital may be required, so immediate medical attention should be sought if symptoms are severe. It is important to manage blood sugar properly through regular meals and exercise while taking this medication. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should choose other treatments to avoid harming the fetus or newborn. The safety and efficacy of this medication have not been established in children under 18 years of age and should not be used. In the elderly, renal function may be diminished, so the dosage should be adjusted, and administration should be cautious. In the event of an overdose, the risk of hypoglycemia is significantly increased, requiring immediate medical treatment, which may include inducing vomiting, gastric lavage, or intravenous glucose.

Serious side effects

Severe allergic reactions: hives, difficulty breathing, hypotension, shock. Severe skin adverse reactions: severe rash, blisters, skin peeling, skin-mucosal syndrome (Stevens-Johnson syndrome). Liver abnormalities (jaundice): liver dysfunction, jaundice, hepatitis. Severe edema or urinary abnormalities: severe thrombocytopenia, angioedema. Serious neurological symptoms: convulsions, confusion, coma. Breathing problems: shallow breathing. Other blood-related abnormalities: hemolytic anemia.

Mild side effects

Symptoms of hypoglycemia: headache, severe hunger, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety, aggression, decreased concentration, reduced motivation, depression, confusion, speech disturbances, visual disturbances, tremors, incomplete paralysis, sensory disturbances, dizziness, weakness, loss of self-control, mental confusion, convulsions, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, bradycardia, etc. Eye-related symptoms: temporary visual disturbances such as blurred vision. Gastrointestinal symptoms: nausea, vomiting, upper abdominal fullness, abdominal pain.

This medication should be stored in a tightly closed container to prevent air or moisture from entering. The ideal storage temperature is between 1 to 30 degrees Celsius at room temperature, which helps maintain the medication’s effectiveness over time.

Appearance

Green oblong tablet

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 100 tablets/bottle