Glimitus
Generic Name
Glimepiride
Manufacturer
Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| glimitus 2 mg tablet | ৳ 9.00 | ৳ 90.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Glimitus 2 mg Tablet is an oral antidiabetic medicine used to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It belongs to the sulfonylurea class of drugs, working by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Initial dose: 1 mg or 2 mg once daily, administered with breakfast or the first main meal. The dose can be titrated upwards in increments of 1 mg at 1-2 week intervals based on blood glucose response. Maximum recommended dose: 8 mg once daily.
Elderly
Elderly patients should start with a lower initial dose (e.g., 1 mg once daily) and be carefully monitored due to increased risk of hypoglycemia and potential renal impairment.
Renal_impairment
In patients with mild to moderate renal impairment, a lower initial dose of 1 mg once daily should be considered, with careful titration. Not recommended for severe renal impairment.
How to Take
Take Glimitus 2 mg Tablet orally, once daily with breakfast or the first main meal of the day. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush or chew it.
Mechanism of Action
Glimepiride primarily acts by stimulating the beta cells of the pancreatic islets to release insulin. It binds to the sulfonylurea receptor (SUR1) on the beta cell membrane, which leads to the closure of ATP-sensitive potassium channels, depolarization of the membrane, and subsequent influx of calcium ions, ultimately triggering insulin secretion.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Within 2-3 hours.
Excretion
Approximately 60% of the dose is excreted in the urine and 40% in the feces, as metabolites.
Half life
Approximately 5-9 hours.
Absorption
Rapid and complete absorption from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations are reached in 2-3 hours.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized in the liver, primarily by CYP2C9, into two main metabolites: a hydroxyl derivative and a carboxyl derivative. Both metabolites have little to no pharmacological activity.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to glimepiride or other sulfonylureas or sulfonamides.
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Severe renal or hepatic impairment.
- Pregnancy and lactation.
Drug Interactions
Miconazole
Increases hypoglycemic effect.
Diuretics (e.g., thiazides)
May decrease the hypoglycemic effect of glimepiride.
ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril)
May enhance hypoglycemic effect.
Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol)
Can mask symptoms of hypoglycemia and enhance the hypoglycemic effect.
Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone)
May decrease the hypoglycemic effect of glimepiride.
NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
May enhance hypoglycemic effect.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Overdose of Glimitus can lead to severe hypoglycemia with symptoms like sweating, tremor, palpitations, blurred vision, confusion, seizures, and coma. Treatment involves immediate administration of glucose (oral glucose for conscious patients, intravenous glucose for unconscious patients) and close monitoring of blood glucose levels for 24-48 hours.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Glimitus is contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetus. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should consult their doctor for alternative treatment (e.g., insulin). It is also contraindicated during breastfeeding as glimepiride is likely to be excreted in breast milk and may cause hypoglycemia in the infant.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to glimepiride or other sulfonylureas or sulfonamides.
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Severe renal or hepatic impairment.
- Pregnancy and lactation.
Drug Interactions
Miconazole
Increases hypoglycemic effect.
Diuretics (e.g., thiazides)
May decrease the hypoglycemic effect of glimepiride.
ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril)
May enhance hypoglycemic effect.
Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol)
Can mask symptoms of hypoglycemia and enhance the hypoglycemic effect.
Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone)
May decrease the hypoglycemic effect of glimepiride.
NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
May enhance hypoglycemic effect.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Overdose of Glimitus can lead to severe hypoglycemia with symptoms like sweating, tremor, palpitations, blurred vision, confusion, seizures, and coma. Treatment involves immediate administration of glucose (oral glucose for conscious patients, intravenous glucose for unconscious patients) and close monitoring of blood glucose levels for 24-48 hours.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Glimitus is contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetus. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should consult their doctor for alternative treatment (e.g., insulin). It is also contraindicated during breastfeeding as glimepiride is likely to be excreted in breast milk and may cause hypoglycemia in the infant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
36 months from the date of manufacture.
Availability
Pharmacies nationwide
Approval Status
Approved
Patent Status
Generic available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Glimepiride has been extensively studied in various clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety in improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, both as monotherapy and in combination with other antidiabetic agents.
Lab Monitoring
- Regular monitoring of fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels.
- Periodic monitoring of HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) to assess long-term glycemic control.
- Monitor renal function (creatinine, GFR) in patients with kidney impairment.
- Monitor liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin) periodically.
Doctor Notes
- Counsel patients thoroughly on hypoglycemia recognition and management.
- Emphasize lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise) as cornerstone of diabetes management.
- Regularly assess renal and hepatic function, especially in elderly patients.
- Consider initiating with lower doses in vulnerable populations and titrate slowly.
Patient Guidelines
- Take Glimitus exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once daily with your first main meal.
- Do not skip meals and maintain a regular eating schedule to avoid hypoglycemia.
- Learn to recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia (e.g., sweating, tremors, hunger, confusion) and carry a source of sugar (e.g., glucose tablets, juice) to treat it immediately.
- Inform your doctor about any other medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking.
- Regularly monitor your blood glucose levels as advised by your doctor.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose of Glimitus, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Glimitus can cause hypoglycemia, which may impair your ability to concentrate and react. Patients should be advised to take precautions when driving or operating machinery, especially when initiating treatment or during dose adjustments.
Lifestyle Advice
- Adhere to a healthy diet plan prescribed by your doctor or dietitian.
- Engage in regular physical activity as recommended.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Quit smoking to improve overall health and diabetes management.
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