Glypride 3 Mg Tablets

Description

Glypride 3 mg Tablets (Glimepiride 3 mg)

Glypride 3 mg Tablets contains glimepiride 3 mg, a sulfonylurea oral antidiabetic medicine. It is prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, either alone or together with insulin or another oral medicine such as metformin. It is a prescription medicine, and it should be taken only under a doctor’s supervision. Glypride is supplied in several strengths, and this product is the 3 mg tablet.

Composition

Product Details

Glimepiride is available as tablets of 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg and 4 mg. Because the tablets are supplied in different strengths, the dose must be matched to the strength printed on the pack. The 3 mg tablet is a pale yellow, flat, scored tablet in many international presentations, and the pack is usually a strip or bottle of 30 tablets. Check the strength on the label before every dose.

Mechanism of Action

Glimepiride lowers blood glucose by stimulating the beta cells of the pancreas to release insulin. It also makes the body’s muscle and fat cells more responsive to insulin and increases glucose uptake into these tissues. Because its action depends on working pancreatic beta cells, it is not effective in type 1 diabetes, where the body makes little or no insulin.

Indications

Glypride 3 mg is indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus when diet, exercise and weight reduction have not controlled blood sugar adequately. It may be used alone or combined with insulin or with another oral antidiabetic such as metformin. The doctor chooses the strength and the combination based on blood glucose and HbA1c results, kidney function and the patient’s other medicines.

Dosage and Administration

The usual starting dose is 1 mg or 2 mg once daily, and the dose is increased in steps of about one to two weeks, up to a usual maximum of 8 mg daily. Take the tablet once a day, shortly before or with the first main meal, usually breakfast. Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water, without chewing. If a meal is skipped, do not take the dose, because the risk of low blood sugar rises when the drug is taken without food. Never change the dose on your own. Blood glucose and HbA1c should be checked regularly to confirm that the dose is still right.

Special Populations

Older adults: Older patients and those with reduced kidney function are more prone to low blood sugar, so a lower starting dose of 1 mg is often used and the dose is increased more cautiously.

Kidney and liver disease: Patients with kidney or liver impairment may need dose adjustment. People with severe liver disease should be treated with caution under medical advice.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Glimepiride is generally not recommended during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding should discuss the options with their doctor, since diabetes control during pregnancy is usually managed with insulin.

Children: Use in children is not established for this product and should be decided by a specialist.

Precautions

Glimepiride can cause hypoglycaemia, especially if meals are skipped, if alcohol is taken, or if the dose is too high for the patient’s needs. Carry a fast-acting sugar source at all times. Tell the doctor about any illness, fever, surgery or injury, because these can change blood sugar. Regular monitoring of blood glucose, HbA1c and kidney function is important. Do not stop the medicine without speaking to your doctor. People who have a sulfonamide allergy should tell the doctor before starting.

Contraindications

Do not use Glypride 3 mg if you are allergic to glimepiride, to other sulfonylureas, or to sulfonamide derivatives. It should not be used in type 1 diabetes or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Side Effects

The most important side effect is hypoglycaemia, which can cause shakiness, sweating, fast heartbeat, hunger, headache or confusion. Other reported effects include nausea, stomach discomfort, dizziness, rash, itching and sensitivity to sunlight. Changes in blood counts, such as anaemia, and visual disturbances during rapid changes in glucose levels have also been reported. Seek urgent medical help for fainting, persistent confusion, severe weakness, a rash with swelling, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Drug Interactions

Some medicines can increase the blood-sugar-lowering effect of glimepiride and raise the risk of hypoglycaemia. These include certain pain relievers such as phenylbutazone, azapropazone and oxyphenbutazone, and other diabetes medicines such as insulin and metformin. Beta-blockers can mask the warning signs of low blood sugar. Tell your doctor about every medicine you take, including over-the-counter products and herbal supplements, before starting treatment.

Storage

Store the tablets at room temperature in the original pack, away from moisture, heat and direct light. Keep them out of the reach of children and pets. Do not use the tablets after the expiry date on the pack.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I take this tablet?
Take it once daily, shortly before or with your first main meal of the day. Do not take it if you are skipping that meal.

Is glimepiride the same as glipizide?
No. Both are sulfonylureas, but they are different medicines with different strengths and dosing schedules. Do not swap one for the other without medical advice.

Can I take this tablet with metformin?
Yes, glimepiride is often combined with metformin, but the combination must be prescribed and monitored by a doctor because of the added risk of low blood sugar.

What should I do if I miss a dose?
Skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for the next one. Never take two doses to make up for a missed dose.

References

• Medicines.org.uk, Glimepiride 3 mg tablets SmPC (composition and pharmaceutical form): https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/10744/smpc
• DailyMed, Glimepiride tablets US prescribing information (strengths, administration with breakfast, contraindications): https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=e8da2484-43a7-4dcb-84d5-d84596feb9f6
• Medonline, Glypride 3 mg Tablets product overview (type 2 diabetes use, combination with insulin or metformin): https://medononline.com/product/glypride-glimepiride-3mg-blood-sugar-control-diabetes-tablets-30s-2861

Disclaimer

This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor or pharmacist. Use Glypride 3 mg Tablets only under a valid prescription and follow the dose your doctor sets.