Glimepiride+metformin
About
Glimepiride+metformin belongs to a class of medicines called anti-diabetic drugs used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, especially in patients whose blood sugar levels are not controlled by diet and exercise alone. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) condition that affects the way our body processes glucose. People with type 2 diabetes either do not produce enough insulin, or the insulin produced is unable to perform its function in the body (insulin resistance).
Glimepiride+metformin is a combination of two antidiabetic drugs, namely: Glimepiride and Metformin. Glimepiride works by stimulating beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Thus, insulin helps to remove sugar from the blood. Metformin PR is a prolonged-release formulation that releases the drug in smaller portions over a longer duration of time. Metformin works by reducing the sugar production by cells in the liver and delays sugar absorption from the intestines. Also, it increases the sensitivity of muscle cells to insulin which enables these cells to remove sugar more effectively from the blood.
Take Glimepiride+metformin as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Glimepiride+metformin for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, headache or metallic taste. Most of these side effects of Glimepiride+metformin do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Glimepiride+metformin or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Glimepiride+metformin is not recommended for children. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Glimepiride+metformin as it may be excreted in human milk. If you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy, please inform your doctor before taking Glimepiride+metformin as it may harm the unborn baby. Avoid alcohol consumption with Glimepiride+metformin as it may increase the risk of lactic acidosis (accumulation of lactic acid in the body). Drive only if you are alert after taking Glimepiride+metformin. Take short, frequent meals and avoid prolonged fasting while taking Glimepiride+metformin.
Uses of Glimepiride+metformin
Medicinal Benefits
Glimepiride+metformin contains Glimepiride and Metformin used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Glimepiride stimulates cells in the pancreas that produce insulin which helps to remove sugar from the blood. Metformin PR is a prolonged-release formulation that releases the drug in smaller portions over a longer duration of time. Metformin reduces sugar production by cells in the liver and delays sugar absorption from the intestines. Also, it increases the sensitivity of muscle cells to insulin which enables these cells to remove sugar more effectively from the blood.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Glimepiride+metformin
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Metallic taste
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Glimepiride+metformin or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Glimepiride+metformin is not recommended for children. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Glimepiride+metformin as it may be excreted in human milk. If you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy, please inform your doctor before taking Glimepiride+metformin as it may harm the unborn baby. Avoid alcohol consumption with Glimepiride+metformin as it may increase the risk of lactic acidosis (accumulation of lactic acid in the body). Drive only if you are alert after taking Glimepiride+metformin. Take short, frequent meals and avoid prolonged fasting while taking Glimepiride+metformin. Beware of symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) which include sweating, dizziness, palpitations, shivering, intense thirst, dry mouth, dry skin, frequent urination, etc. Whenever you experience any of these symptoms, immediately consume 5-6 candies or 3 glucose biscuits, or 3 teaspoons of honey/sugar, and also consult your doctor. Make sure to carry these with you at all times, especially during long travels.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Glimepiride+metformin may have interaction with antibiotics (rifampicin, trimethoprim), calcium channel blockers (verapamil), antacids (cimetidine), HIV/AIDS drugs (dolutegravir), heart-related medicine (ranolazine), anticancer drugs (vandetanib, crizotinib, olaparib), antifungals (fluconazole, miconazole), water pill (acetazolamide), antidiabetic drug (insulin), anticonvulsants (phenytoin).
Drug-Food Interaction: Glimepiride+metformin may interact with alcohol. Therefore, avoid the consumption of alcohol with Glimepiride+metformin as it may increase the risk of lactic acidosis (accumulation of lactic acid in the body).
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have severe infections, uncontrolled diabetes, lactic acidosis or ketoacidosis (accumulation of ketone bodies in the blood), dehydration, or liver or kidney problems, inform your doctor before taking Glimepiride+metformin.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid consumption of alcohol with Glimepiride+metformin as it may increase the risk of lactic acidosis (accumulation of lactic acid in the body).
Pregnancy
unsafeGlimepiride+metformin is not recommended for pregnant women as it may harm the unborn baby. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while taking Glimepiride+metformin as it may be excreted in breastmilk and cause adverse effects in the baby. Therefore, please consult a doctor before using Glimepiride+metformin if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionGlimepiride+metformin may decrease alertness in some people. Therefore, drive only if you are alert after taking Glimepiride+metformin.
Liver
cautionTake Glimepiride+metformin with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Glimepiride+metformin with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
unsafeGlimepiride+metformin is not recommended for children as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Do regular exercise such as cycling, walking, jogging, dancing, or swimming for a minimum of 30 minutes per day. Invest at least 150 minutes of your week in exercise.
- Maintain healthy body weight as obesity is also related to the onset of diabetes.
- Maintain a low-fat and low-sugar diet. Replace carbohydrates-containing foods with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables as carbohydrates turn to sugars leading to high blood sugar.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol and quit smoking.
Special Advise
Regular blood tests are recommended while taking Glimepiride+metformin to monitor blood sugar levels.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Type 2 diabetes: It is a chronic (long-lasting) condition that keeps the body away from properly utilizing insulin. Hence, people affected with type 2 diabetes either do not produce enough insulin, or there is resistance to the action of insulin. Middle-aged or older are most likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes, so it is also known as adult-onset diabetes. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include frequent urination at night, increased thirst, slow wound healing, increased hunger, fatigue, and blurred vision. In some cases, there may be weight gain, while in rare cases, weight loss may be observed. The complication of type 2 diabetes also includes nerve problems, kidney problems, damaged retina of eyes or blindness, loss of limbs, sexual dysfunction, and increase chance of heart attack or stroke.
FAQs
Glimepiride+metformin contains two antidiabetic drugs, namely: Glimepiride and Metformin. Glimepiride works by stimulating cells in the pancreas that produce insulin which helps to remove sugar from the blood. Metformin PR is a prolonged-release formulation that releases the drug in smaller portions over a longer duration of time. Metformin works by reducing the sugar production by cells in the liver and delays sugar absorption from the intestines. Also, it increases the sensitivity of muscle cells to insulin which enables these cells to remove sugar more effectively from the blood.
You are not recommended to take Glimepiride+metformin with phenytoin as it may reduce the effect of Glimepiride+metformin and increase blood sugar levels. However, please consult a doctor before using Glimepiride+metformin with other medicines.
Glimepiride+metformin may increase the risk of low blood sugar levels especially with alcohol intake, exercise more than usual, delay or miss snacks or meal. However, if you experience any signs of low blood pressure such as dizziness, nausea, light-headedness, dehydration or fainting, please consult a doctor.
In type 1 diabetes, the body doesn’t produce insulin as the islet cells (insulin-producing cells) in the pancreas are destroyed completed. In type 2 diabetes, though islet cells are working, the body doesn’t respond to insulin as the body becomes resistant to insulin.
You are not recommended to stop taking Glimepiride+metformin on your own as discontinuing Glimepiride+metformin suddenly may cause recurring symptoms or worsen the condition. However, if you experience any difficulty while taking Glimepiride+metformin, please consult your doctor so that alternative medicine may be prescribed.
