Amaryl (Glimepiride) Review

Amaryl is prescribed for patients with diabetes who can not control their blood sugar levels through diet alone. Generically known as glimepiride, this medication is usually combined with an exercise program and diet to treat non-insulin dependent (type 2) diabetes.

Patients should still keep some small candy with them at all times, especially while adjusting to the medication, in the event low blood sugar renders them potentially ill. Weakness, dizziness, hunger, thirst, irritability, tremors, headaches, and drowsiness are the most frequent signs of the onset of hypoglycemia.

Not all patients will be able to tolerate Amaryl well, and the prescribing physician should perform a thorough exam before prescription. Patients with a medical history which includes adrenal gland or pituitary gland issues, malnourishment, liver disease, or heart disease may not be able to take this medicine or may require careful monitoring while taking Amaryl.

The American Food and Drug Administration rated Amaryl as a pregnancy rating category C. This means that there is a risk of birth defects in unborn babies. It has yet to be determined whether or not this medicine is excreted through breast milk. Nursing women should either abort breast feeding or discuss the risks with the doctor.

Patients should take this medicine as it has been prescribed. Missing doses increases the likelihood of low blood sugar. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose however, the dose should be skipped and regular dosing should resume with the following dose. Never take more medicine than has been prescribed.

An overdose is a serious medical problem and requires urgent medical care. Anxiety, hunger, nausea, sweats, drowsiness, weakness, loss of consciousness, and coma or death can occur during an overdose.

Most side effects associated with Amaryl are generally mild and call for no medical action. Patients should discuss their side effects with their doctor. Headache, blurry vision, dark urine, weakness, an increase in the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, and mild nausea, stomach discomfort, or vomiting may occur.

Some patients will experience serious side effects that require immediate medical assistance. Allergic reactions, skin rash, itching , redness, swelling, easy bruising, unexplained bleeding, weakness, restlessness with muscle cramps, confusion, headaches, nausea, irritable behavior, or convulsions, nausea with stomach pain, dark urine, low fever, loss of appetite, clay colored stools, or jaundice, and signs of congestive heart failure. Allergic reactions present with hives, respiratory distress, and swelling of the face, tongue, or throat. Congestive heart failure presents with chest pain, swelling, rapid weight gain, and difficulty breathing.

Patients should never take any type of new medication without first consulting with their prescribing physician. This includes over the counter, prescription, herbal, or supplemental medicines. Physicians should always do a thorough medical history before prescribing this medicine. Medications such as NSAID pain relievers, blood thinners, beta blockers, probenecid, sulfa drugs, MAO inhibitors, aspirin, and salicylates—including Pepto Bismol, asthma medications, cold and sinus or allergy medicines, diet pills, steroids, isoniazid, diuretics, phenothiazines, thyroid medications, birth control pills, and seizure medications can all effect Amaryl. Special dosing is required if patients are taking enough medication to affect their blood sugar levels. Special tests may be required to be sure that Amaryl is working, as these medications can often counter act the effects of the medication.