Amaryl is an oral blood sugar-lowering drug which belongs to the class of sulfonylureas. Active substance is Glimepiride. It is used together with diet and exercise to treat type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes. The mechanism of its action is to stimulate the secretion and release of insulin from beta cells of the pancreas (pancreatic effect). Amaryl is used to treat non-insulin depending diabetes (type 2) as monotherapy or in combination with insulin (or metformin).
The best dose is determined by a physician on a basis of regular measurements of blood sugar content.
Be careful your sugar not to fall too low due to stress, skipping a meal, exercising too long, or drinking alcohol. Know signs of hypoglycemia and keep a source of sugar at hand. If your sugar level is too high you may feel very thirsty or hungry. You may also urinate more than usual. Take this medication exactly as prescribed as it is a part of a complicated program consisting of diet, medication, and exercise routines. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, have adrenal or pituitary gland problems before to take this medication.
Amaryl is contraindicated in patients with history of diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic coma and prekoma, insulin-dependent diabetes (type 1), severe renal dysfunction, severe hepatic impairment, individual hypersensitivity to Amaryl, other members of sulfonylurea class and sulfonamides.
If you have any signs of allergic reaction to this medication such as hives, swelling of face and throat, rash or other major symptoms (severe skin rash, itching, redness, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, numbness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, abdominal pain, fever, nausea)seek for immediate medical help.
Diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril, Ezide, Hydro-Par, Microzide, furosemide (Lasix)), corticosteroids such as prednisone and methylprednisolone (Medrol), phenytoin (Dilantin), niacin, and sympathomimetics such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) are able to increase blood sugar and diminish effect of Amaryl. Propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin) belong to beta-blockers and also are able to affect blood levels and decrease activity of Amaryl.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember about it. If it is almost time of your next dose just skip it and return to your regular schedule.
Immediate medical attention in needed in case you too too much of the medicine. Possible side effects include: extreme weakness, confusion, blurred vision, stomach pain, trouble speaking, tremors, sweating, seizure, and coma.
Store at room temperature in a tight container and keep away from sunlight, moisture, kids and pets.