Glimitus
Generic Name
Glimepiride
Manufacturer
Example Pharmaceutical Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
Loading images...
Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| glimitus 1 mg tablet | ৳ 6.00 | ৳ 60.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Glimitus 1 mg tablet contains Glimepiride, an oral antidiabetic medication used to lower blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It belongs to the sulfonylurea class of drugs.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Initial dose 1 mg once daily with breakfast or first main meal. May be increased by 1 mg increments every 1-2 weeks, usual maintenance dose 1-4 mg once daily. Maximum dose 8 mg once daily.
Elderly
Start with 1 mg once daily; dose titration should be gradual and careful due to increased risk of hypoglycemia.
Renal_impairment
Initial dose 1 mg once daily; monitor renal function and adjust dose cautiously to avoid hypoglycemia.
How to Take
Take orally once daily with breakfast or the first main meal. Swallow the tablet whole with water, do not crush or chew.
Mechanism of Action
Glimepiride stimulates insulin release from pancreatic beta cells by binding to sulfonylurea receptors (SUR1) on the cell surface, leading to closure of ATP-sensitive potassium channels and subsequent calcium influx, triggering insulin secretion. It may also improve peripheral insulin sensitivity.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Onset of action within 2-3 hours.
Excretion
Approximately 60% excreted in urine and 40% in feces, mainly as metabolites.
Half life
Approximately 5-9 hours.
Absorption
Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract; absolute bioavailability is complete.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized in the liver by CYP2C9 to two main metabolites, a hydroxy derivative and a carboxy derivative.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to glimepiride or other sulfonylureas, or sulfonamides.
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Severe renal or hepatic impairment.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Warfarin
Glimepiride may potentiate or weaken the effect of warfarin.
Corticosteroids, thiazide diuretics, estrogens, phenytoin, thyroid hormones
May reduce the hypoglycemic effect of glimepiride, leading to hyperglycemia.
Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, MAO inhibitors, salicylates, sulfonamides, chloramphenicol, probenecid, coumarins
May potentiate the hypoglycemic effect of glimepiride, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms include severe hypoglycemia (e.g., sweating, tremor, headache, confusion, blurred vision, coma). Treatment involves administering glucose (oral or intravenous) and close monitoring. Sustained hypoglycemia may require continued glucose infusion.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Insulin should be used instead.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to glimepiride or other sulfonylureas, or sulfonamides.
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Severe renal or hepatic impairment.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Warfarin
Glimepiride may potentiate or weaken the effect of warfarin.
Corticosteroids, thiazide diuretics, estrogens, phenytoin, thyroid hormones
May reduce the hypoglycemic effect of glimepiride, leading to hyperglycemia.
Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, MAO inhibitors, salicylates, sulfonamides, chloramphenicol, probenecid, coumarins
May potentiate the hypoglycemic effect of glimepiride, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms include severe hypoglycemia (e.g., sweating, tremor, headache, confusion, blurred vision, coma). Treatment involves administering glucose (oral or intravenous) and close monitoring. Sustained hypoglycemia may require continued glucose infusion.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Insulin should be used instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
24-36 months from manufacturing date
Availability
Pharmacies, hospitals
Approval Status
Approved (e.g., FDA, DGDA)
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of glimepiride in managing type 2 diabetes, both as monotherapy and in combination with other antidiabetic agents.
Lab Monitoring
- Fasting plasma glucose (FPG)
- HbA1c
- Renal function (creatinine, GFR)
- Liver function tests (LFTs)
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize patient education on hypoglycemia recognition and management.
- Regularly assess renal and hepatic function, especially in elderly patients.
- Consider combination therapy early if monotherapy fails to achieve glycemic targets.
Patient Guidelines
- Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor.
- Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly.
- Carry a source of sugar (e.g., glucose tablets, juice) to treat mild hypoglycemia.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery due to the risk of hypoglycemia, which can impair concentration and reaction time. If you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia, do not drive.
Lifestyle Advice
- Follow a balanced diet plan.
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Limit alcohol intake.
Alternative Medicines in Bangladesh
Similar medicines available in the market
Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.
Other Medicines in Glimitus Brand
Other medicines available under the same brand name
