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Glimepiride

  • Important: Sometimes glimepiride can cause the blood sugar level to drop too low. You may experience problems concentrating, drowsiness and altered consciousness. If this happens you should eat something containing sugar such as glucose tablets, biscuits or a sugary drink (not diet). You should then consult your doctor or diabetic nurse straight away.
  • Convulsions or unconsciousness require immediate medical attention
  • If you miss a meal you have an increased risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels)
  • You must keep your regular appointments with your doctor or diabetic nurse because your doctor may want to adjust the dose of glimepiride you are taking
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor or diabetic nurse first
  • Before having any kind of medical treatment, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, surgeon, dentist or other medical professional that you are taking glimepiride

About glimepiride

Type of medicine Oral antidiabetic
Used for Type 2 diabetes mellitus (non-insulin dependent)
Also called Amaryl®, Niddaryl®
Available as Tablets

Insulin is made naturally in the pancreas and regulates the amount of sugar in the blood. If the body does not make enough insulin to meet its needs, or does not properly use the insulin it makes, this results in a condition called diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes). Glimepiride works by increasing the amount of insulin that the pancreas releases. It also encourages the use of sugar in the blood by the cells in the body which need it.

Before taking glimepiride

Before taking glimepiride make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
  • If you suffer from kidney or liver problems
  • If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder) or other blood disorders
  • If you have ever suffered from thyroid problems
  • If you are an insulin dependent diabetic
  • If you are due to have an operation
  • If you have an infection
  • If you have been told by your doctor that you have 'ketoacidosis'
  • If you are taking any other medicines
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to glimepiride, any ingredients in the tablets, another sulphonylurea (oral antidiabetic) or a sulphonamide (antibiotic)

How to take glimepiride

  • Take glimepiride exactly as directed by your doctor
  • Try to take glimepiride at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses
  • Take glimepiride with or immediately before your first main meal, or as directed by your doctor or diabetic nurse
  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember (with food) and continue taking it at the usual time. If it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose; never take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • It is important that you follow any dietary instructions that you have been given by your doctor or diabetic nurse
  • If you miss a meal you have an increased risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels), see below
  • Your doctor may recommend that you test for sugar in the blood or urine regularly to check your diabetes is being well controlled
  • Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol or drinking alcohol on an empty stomach as alcohol may cause low blood sugar and affects the control of your condition
  • Check with your doctor before taking up any physical exercise, as this can have a long lasting effect on your blood sugar levels
  • Before having any kind of medical treatment, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, surgeon, dentist or other medical professional that you are taking glimepiride
  • You must keep your regular appointments with your doctor or diabetic nurse because your doctor may want to adjust the dose of glimepiride you are taking
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor or diabetic nurse first

Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)

  • Hypoglycaemia is likely to occur if you miss a meal, if you exercise more than usual, if you cannot eat because of sickness or if you drink a lot of alcohol
  • Symptoms include feeling anxious, cold sweats, confusion, headache, feeling sick, being sick, nervousness, palpitations (being aware of your heartbeat), shaking, unusual tiredness or weakness and visual problems
  • You should eat something containing sugar such as glucose tablets, biscuits or a sugary drink (not diet) and follow this up with a starchy snack, such as a sandwich to raise your blood sugar
  • Check with your doctor or diabetic nurse straight away, because you may get further attacks over the next few days
  • The dose of your tablets may need to be altered
  • Severe symptoms of hypoglycaemia such as convulsions and unconsciousness require immediate medical attention
  • Drivers should take special care on long journeys. If hypoglycaemia occurs, you should wait at least fifteen minutes before continuing on your journey. Driving is not permitted when you are unable to recognise the warning signs of a hypoglycaemic attack.

Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar)

  • Symptoms usually appear more slowly then those of low blood sugar and may occur if you over eat, if you miss a dose of your medicine, if you do not follow a proper diet or if you have a fever or infection
  • Symptoms include drowsiness, flushed face, fruity smell on breath, increased urination (passing water), loss of appetite or unusual thirst. Severe symptoms may include rapid pulse and heavy breathing.
  • If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned check with your doctor or diabetic nurse immediately

Can glimepiride cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome or if you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine.

Side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Nausea (feeling sick) Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Vomiting (being sick) Drink plenty of liquid. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids.
Constipation Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6 - 8 glasses of water each day.
Tummy pain, weight gain Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if this continues or becomes troublesome.
At the start of treatment you may experience blurred vision or drowsiness for a short time Do not drive or operate machinery.

Important: Sometimes glimepiride can cause the blood sugar level to drop too low. You may experience problems concentrating, drowsiness and altered consciousness. If this happens you should eat something containing sugar such as glucose tablets, biscuits or a sugary drink (not diet). You should then consult your doctor or diabetic nurse straight away. Convulsions (fits) or unconsciousness require immediate medical attention.

Important: If you experience a skin rash, itching, fever (high temperature), jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), joint pain, swelling of the tongue, throat or face, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, stop taking glimepiride and go to the hospital immediately.

Important: Tell your doctor if you suffer from infections with a sore throat or mouth ulcers, if you bruise more easily whilst taking this medicine or if you look pale.

How to store glimepiride

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3232		 DocRef:
dils2097		 Last Updated:
5 Feb 2007		 Date of Next Review:
4 Feb 2009		 Version:
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