CLASS and MECHANISM of Action
Generic Amaryl is an oral blood sugar-lowering drug in a class of medicines for controlling diabetes called sulfonylureas. This medication helps your body respond better to insulin produced by your pancreas. Generic Amaryl is used in type II diabetes. In type II diabetes, insulin usually is not necessary to control the blood sugar. Instead, diet and oral medications often are sufficient.
Intolerance to sugar that results in elevated blood sugar is caused by reduced insulin secretion by the pancreas and resistance to insulin's effects by the body's cells. Generic Amaryl lowers the sugar level in the blood by stimulating insulin to be secreted from the pancreas into the blood. Insulin causes sugar to leave the blood and enter cells throughout the body.
Active Ingredients: glimepiride
Inactive Ingredients: povidone, microcrystalline cellulose, lactose (hydrous), sodium starch glycolate and magnesium stearate.
What is Generic Amaryl PRESCRIBED For?
Usually Generic Amaryl is prescribed in addition to diet and exercise. It lowers the blood glucose in patients with noninsulin-dependent (Type II) diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Hyperglycemia cannot be controlled at such patients just by diet and exercise.
It is allowed to use metformin in addition to diet, exercise, and Generic Amaryl in order to get an adequate glycemic control.
Generic Amaryl can be also prescribed in combination with insulin to lower blood glucose in patients whose hyperglycemia cannot be controlled by diet and exercise in conjunction with an oral hypoglycemic agent.
How Should I Take Generic Amaryl?
Taken this medicine follow your health care professional directions. However, it well to know that the maximum starting dose is 2 milligrams. Usually it is administrated once daily with breakfast or the first main meal.
Remember that only your health care professional may increase the dose.
Weakened or malnourished people and those with adrenal, pituitary, kidney, or liver disorders are particularly sensitive to hypoglycemic drugs such as Generic Amaryl and should start at 1 milligram once daily. Your health care professional will increase your medication based on your response to the drug.
What are the CONTRAINDICATIONS for taking Generic Amaryl?
Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking:
- chloramphenicol;
- dexfenfluramine;
- fenfluramine;
- gemfibrozil;
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIS);
- oxyphenbutazone;
- phenylbutazone;
- sulfa antibiotics;
- certain "water pills" (diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide);
- medicine for high blood pressure or heart conditions (ace inhibitors).
Inform your health care professional of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
Use of Generic Amaryl is not recommended if you have a history of acidosis. Contact your health care professional if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
What Happens if I MISS A DOSE?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose.
NOTE: Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I OVERDOSE?
Symptoms of overdose may include tremor, confusion, lightheadedness, sweating, rapid pulse, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
If an overdose is suspected call your local emergency and your health care professional immediately.
What are the possible SIDE EFFECTS of Generic Amaryl?
Low blood sugar can occur during the therapy with Generic Amaryl.
Symptoms of low blood sugar include:
- perspiration;
- headache;
- heart palpitations;
- numbness around the mouth;
- tingling in the fingers;
- hunger;
- nausea;
- tiredness;
- excessive yawning;
- irritability;
- confusion;
- loss of consciousness;
- tremors;
- muscle weakness;
- blurred vision;
- cold temperature.
Other side effects include dizziness (1 of every 60 persons), headache (1 of every 75), and nausea or vomiting (1 of every 90). A rash occurs in fewer than 1 of every 100 persons who receive Generic Amaryl.
What other drugs can INTERACT with Generic Amaryl?
You should inform your health care professional: about all other medicines you are taking including nonprescription medicines. Your doctor should be also notified if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol; if you smoke; or if you use illegal drugs. These can affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
Many medications may cause changes (increase or decrease) in blood sugar. These include:
- male hormones or anabolic steroids
- alcohol containing beverages
- aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
- isoniazid
- medications for weight loss
- medicines for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough
- niacin
- pentamidine
- phenytoin
- beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems (examples include atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol)chromium
- female hormones, such as estrogens or progestins, birth control pills
- steroid medicines such as prednisone or cortisone
- thyroid hormones
- water pills (diuretics)
- quinolone antibiotics (examples: ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin)
- some herbal dietary supplements
Before taken any of the medicines listed above consult your health care professional.
Additional Information
REMEMBER that Generic Amaryl is an aid to, not a substitute for, good diet and exercise. Failure to follow a sound diet and exercise plan may diminish the results of Generic Amaryl and can lead to serious complications such as dangerously high or low blood sugar levels.
NOTE: Generic Amaryl is not an oral form of insulin, and cannot be used in place of insulin.
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