Product Description

Glimepiride Tablets IP 3mg belongs to a class of antidiabetic medications called 'sulfonylureas,' used to lower raised blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus - NIDDM). Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or the insulin it produces is less effective. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels, especially after meals.

Uses

Treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, often in combination with diet, exercise, and other antidiabetic medications, to improve blood sugar control.

How it works

Glimepiride Tablets IP 3mg contain Glimepiride, which works by binding to ATP-sensitive potassium channels on the beta cells of the pancreas. This binding leads to channel closure, cell membrane depolarization, calcium influx, and subsequent release of insulin. The released insulin helps body cells absorb and utilize glucose, thereby lowering elevated blood sugar levels and managing symptoms of type 2 diabetes.

Benefits

Glimepiride Tablets IP 3mg is used in people with type 2 diabetes to help lower elevated blood sugar levels when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise. It can be used alone or in combination with insulin or other oral antidiabetic medications. By stimulating insulin secretion from the pancreas beta cells, Glimepiride helps control blood sugar levels, particularly after meals, reducing the risk of complications associated with high blood sugar.

How to use

Swallow Glimepiride Tablets IP 3mg whole with a glass of water; do not crush, break, or chew it. Take it as directed by your doctor, typically with meals to reduce the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar, which can cause dizziness, sweating, or confusion)

• Headache

• Nausea

• Weight gain

Rare side effects may include:

• Allergic reactions

• Abnormal liver function, including jaundice, cholestasis, hepatitis, or liver failure (seek immediate medical attention if these occur)

• Shock (in severe cases of hypoglycemia)

If any side effects persist, worsen, or include severe symptoms, consult your doctor promptly. Not all individuals experience these effects.

Safety Advice

• Alcohol: It is not recommended to take Glimepiride Tablets IP 3mg with alcohol, as alcohol can unpredictably increase or decrease its blood sugar-lowering effects, potentially leading to hypoglycemia or other complications.

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Glimepiride Tablets IP 3mg is an FDA Pregnancy Category C medicine, meaning animal studies have shown potential risks, and there are no adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor; it is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Stop taking it if advised by your doctor.

• Liver Dysfunction: Not recommended in patients with severe liver dysfunction, as it may cause liver damage. Consult your doctor before use if you have any liver issues, and they may adjust the dosage or monitor liver function.

• Other Precautions: Use with caution in elderly patients or those with kidney problems, as they are at higher risk for hypoglycemia. Always inform your doctor of your full medical history and medications.

Storage Conditions

Store at a temperature below 86°F (30 °C). Protect from light and moisture.

FAQs

Is Glimepiride Tablets IP 3mg safe with warfarin (blood thinner) if taken by a heart stroke patient?

Glimepiride Tablets IP 3mg is not recommended with warfarin as these two drugs are contraindicated with each other and hence may result in any harmful symptoms when taken together in heart patients.

In which conditions should I avoid the intake of Glimepiride Tablets IP 3mg?

Do not take Glimepiride Tablets IP 3mg and consult your doctor if you have an allergy to sulfa drugs, diabetic ketoacidosis, heart disease, liver or kidney disease, or an enzyme deficiency. called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD).

How should I handle symptoms of low blood sugar level after taking Glimepiride Tablets IP 3mg?

Your blood sugar may drop, so regular monitoring is necessary. Symptoms of low blood sugar include intense hunger, dizziness, irritability, confusion, anxiety, or shakiness. Consume a fast-acting sugar source, such as fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda, to address it.

Is Glimepiride Tablets IP 3mg safe with oral contraceptives?

The patient is advised to talk to a doctor before taking contraceptive pills if he/she is already taking Glimepiride Tablets IP 3mg, then the doctor may change the dose of Glimepiride Tablets IP 3mg. This is because oral contraceptive pills alter the body's response to sugar.