Glimitus
Generic Name
Glimepiride
Manufacturer
Acme Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| glimitus 3 mg tablet | ৳ 12.00 | ৳ 120.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Glimitus 3 mg Tablet contains Glimepiride, an oral antidiabetic drug used to lower blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It helps the body produce more insulin and utilize it more effectively.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Initial dose is 1-2 mg once daily, administered with breakfast or the first main meal. Dose may be increased gradually up to a maximum of 8 mg once daily based on blood glucose response.
Elderly
Start with 1 mg once daily and titrate carefully. Elderly patients may be more susceptible to hypoglycemia.
Renal_impairment
Initial dose of 1 mg once daily. Dose adjustments may be necessary based on renal function and blood glucose monitoring. Not recommended for severe impairment.
How to Take
Take Glimitus 3 mg Tablet orally once daily with breakfast or the first main meal. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet.
Mechanism of Action
Glimepiride primarily acts by stimulating insulin release from pancreatic beta cells. It binds to the sulfonylurea receptor (SUR1) on the beta cell membrane, leading to depolarization, calcium influx, and subsequent insulin secretion. It may also have some extrapancreatic effects.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Within 1 hour
Excretion
Approximately 60% is excreted in the urine and 40% in the feces (as metabolites).
Half life
Approximately 5-9 hours (terminal half-life)
Absorption
Rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations are reached in 2-3 hours.
Metabolism
Completely metabolized by oxidative biotransformation (primarily by CYP2C9) to two main metabolites: a cyclohexylhydroxy methyl derivative and a carboxyl derivative.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to glimepiride or other sulfonylureas or sulfonamides.
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Severe hepatic or renal impairment (without appropriate dose adjustment and monitoring).
- Pregnancy and lactation.
Drug Interactions
Warfarin
Glimepiride may potentiate or weaken the effect of warfarin; close monitoring of INR is recommended.
Thiazides, Corticosteroids, Phenothiazines, Thyroid hormones, Estrogens, Oral contraceptives, Phenytoin, Nicotinic acid, Sympathomimetics
May reduce the hypoglycemic effect, leading to hyperglycemia.
Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, MAO inhibitors, NSAIDs, Salicylates, Sulfonamides, Chloramphenicol, Coumarin derivatives, Fibrates, Fluoxetine, Miconazole
May potentiate the hypoglycemic effect, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Overdose of Glimepiride can cause severe hypoglycemia. Symptoms include sweating, tremor, palpitations, anxiety, hunger, confusion, dizziness, headache, and in severe cases, seizures, coma, and death. Management involves immediate administration of glucose (oral or intravenous) and close monitoring of blood glucose levels for at least 24-48 hours.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Glimepiride is not recommended during pregnancy due to the risk of fetal hypoglycemia. Insulin is generally preferred. Excreted in breast milk; therefore, not recommended during lactation.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to glimepiride or other sulfonylureas or sulfonamides.
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Severe hepatic or renal impairment (without appropriate dose adjustment and monitoring).
- Pregnancy and lactation.
Drug Interactions
Warfarin
Glimepiride may potentiate or weaken the effect of warfarin; close monitoring of INR is recommended.
Thiazides, Corticosteroids, Phenothiazines, Thyroid hormones, Estrogens, Oral contraceptives, Phenytoin, Nicotinic acid, Sympathomimetics
May reduce the hypoglycemic effect, leading to hyperglycemia.
Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, MAO inhibitors, NSAIDs, Salicylates, Sulfonamides, Chloramphenicol, Coumarin derivatives, Fibrates, Fluoxetine, Miconazole
May potentiate the hypoglycemic effect, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Overdose of Glimepiride can cause severe hypoglycemia. Symptoms include sweating, tremor, palpitations, anxiety, hunger, confusion, dizziness, headache, and in severe cases, seizures, coma, and death. Management involves immediate administration of glucose (oral or intravenous) and close monitoring of blood glucose levels for at least 24-48 hours.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Glimepiride is not recommended during pregnancy due to the risk of fetal hypoglycemia. Insulin is generally preferred. Excreted in breast milk; therefore, not recommended during lactation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
24-36 months from manufacturing date, depending on specific manufacturer guidelines.
Availability
Available in retail pharmacies and hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by regulatory authorities
Patent Status
Generic available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Glimepiride has undergone extensive clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety in improving glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown its effectiveness as monotherapy and in combination with other antidiabetic agents.
Lab Monitoring
- Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels (fasting and postprandial).
- HbA1c monitoring every 3-6 months.
- Periodic monitoring of renal function (creatinine, GFR).
- Liver function tests (LFTs) occasionally.
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize the importance of patient education regarding hypoglycemia symptoms and management.
- Advise patients to always take glimepiride with a meal to minimize hypoglycemic events.
- Monitor renal function regularly, especially in elderly patients, and adjust dose as needed.
- Consider combination therapy with metformin if monotherapy is insufficient for glycemic control.
Patient Guidelines
- Always take this medicine with a meal, preferably breakfast, to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.
- Do not skip meals while on this medication.
- Carry a source of fast-acting sugar (e.g., glucose tablets, juice) for mild hypoglycemia.
- Report any symptoms of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia to your doctor immediately.
- Adhere to diet and exercise recommendations.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember with a meal. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Glimitus 3 mg Tablet can cause hypoglycemia, which may impair your ability to concentrate and react. If you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia, avoid driving or operating machinery. Discuss with your doctor if you have frequent hypoglycemic episodes.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a balanced diet and regular meal timings.
- Engage in regular physical activity as advised by your healthcare provider.
- Monitor your weight and strive to maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
- Regularly monitor your blood glucose levels at home.
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