Glimepiride Pharmacology

Glimepiride

About Glimepiride
Third-generation sulfonylurea, Oral Antidiabetic Agent.
Mechanism of Action of Glimepiride
It is a potent antidiabetic drug which exerts its action by increasing insulin release from the pancreas and by improving glucose tolerance. It acts on the "sulfonylurea receptors" on pancreatic ?-cell membrane and reduces conductance of ATP sensitive K+ channels and thus causes depolarization. This enhances Ca2+ influx and degranultion and thus increases insulin secretion rate at any glucose concentration. It primarily increases 2nd phase insulin secretion and has little effect on 1st phase. It also slows hepatic degradation of insulin and minor action of reducing glucagon release and increasing Somatostatin release. It also exerts stronger extrapancreatic action; by sensitizing the target tissues such as liver to insulin action. It increases the number of insulin receptors and through a post receptor action improving translation of receptor activation.
Pharmacokinets of Glimepiride
Absorption: Well absorbed orally
Distribution: Distributed in a highly protein bound form
Metabolism: Completely metabolized in to inactive metabolites in liver
Excretion: Excreted mainly through urine and also through faeces as metabolites.
Onset of Action for Glimepiride
N/A
Duration of Action for Glimepiride
>24 hours
Half Life of Glimepiride
5 to 7 hours
Side Effects of Glimepiride
1. Hypoglycemia
2. Nausea
3. Vomiting
4. Diarrhoea
5. Constipation
6. Headache
7. Paresthesia
8. Hypersensitivity reactions
9. Rashes
10. Photosensitivity
11. Purpura
12. Transient leucopenia
13. Agranulocytosis
14.Temporary visual impairment
Contra-indications of Glimepiride
1. Hypersensitivity to the drug
2. Diabetic ketoacidosis
3. Diabetic coma
4. Juvenile diabetes mellitus
Special Precautions while taking Glimepiride
1. Malnourished and deliberate individuals
2. Strenous exercise and irregular meals may leads to hypoglycemia
3. Hepatic impairment
4. Renal impairment
5. Monitor glucose levels during therapy
6. Adrenal insufficiency
7. Pituitary insufficiency
8. Any work requiring mental alertness such as operating a vehicle or machine
Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated
Children Related Information
Contraindicated
Indications for Glimepiride
1. Non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.
Interactions for Glimepiride
Hypoglycaemic effect of glimepiride is enhanced by : Anticoagulants, Androgens, Chloramphenicol, Clofibrate, Fenfluramine, Fluconazole, Gemfibrozil, Histamine H2 anta-gonists, Magnesium Salts, Methyldopa, MAOIs, Phenylbutazone, Probenecid, Salicylates, Sulfinpyrazone, Sulfonamides, TCAs, & Urinary acidifiers.
Hypoglycemic effect of glimepiride inhibited by the following drugs : Beta-blockers, Cholestyramine, Diazoxide, Hydantoins, Rifampicin, Thiazide diuretics & Urinary alkalisers.
Charcoal : Reduces the absorption of glimepiride thus reducing its efficacy or toxicity.
Digitalis glycosides : Coadministration results in increased digitalis serum levels.

Typical Dosage for Glimepiride
Oral: Starts with 1mg daily; immediately before 1st main meals. Adjust the dosage by increments of 1to 2mg at 1 to 2week intervals based on patients response up to 6mg/day as required.
Maintenance dosage: 1 to 4mg once daily
Maximum dose: 8mg once daily
Schedule of Glimepiride
N/A
Storage Requirements for Glimepiride
Store at room temperature at a range of 15 to 30 degree C. in a well closed container away from light. Protect from excess heat and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Glimepiride
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Glimepiride
Mild hypoglycemia can be treated with oral glucose and dosage adjustment. It there is loss of consciousness or neurological findings the patient should receive rapid injection of dextrose 50%; followed by continuous infusion of dextrose 10% at a rate to maintain blood glucose levels greater than 100mg/dl. Monitor patient for 24 to 48 hours.

Home Delivery for Glimepiride in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including glimepiride.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for glimepiride and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for glimepiride may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take glimepiride only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for glimepiride before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for glimepiride with the pharmacy.

Glimepiride is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for glimepiride might be better known than glimepiride itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have glimepiride in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for glimepiride.