Glirid
Generic Name
Glimepiride
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
Loading images...
Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| glirid 2 mg tablet | ৳ 9.00 | ৳ 90.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Glimepiride is 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 is 1-2 mg orally once daily with breakfast or the first main meal. Dose can be increased gradually by 1-2 mg increments every 1-2 weeks, up to a maximum of 8 mg daily.
Elderly
Generally, start with a lower initial dose of 1 mg once daily and titrate carefully, considering the increased risk of hypoglycemia and renal impairment.
Renal_impairment
Initial dose of 1 mg once daily should be considered for patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. Avoid in severe renal impairment (CrCl < 25 mL/min).
How to Take
Take orally once daily with breakfast or the first main meal. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew.
Mechanism of Action
Glimepiride primarily acts by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreatic beta cells. It binds to the sulfonylurea receptor on the beta cell membrane, leading to closure of ATP-sensitive potassium channels, depolarization, and subsequent calcium influx, which triggers insulin secretion.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Onset of action is usually within 2-3 hours.
Excretion
Excreted primarily via urine (60%) and feces (40%) as metabolites.
Half life
The elimination half-life is 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 by cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) to two main metabolites, a hydroxy derivative and a carboxy derivative.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to glimepiride or other sulfonylureas or sulfonamides.
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (with or without coma).
- Severe renal or hepatic impairment.
- Pregnancy and lactation.
Drug Interactions
Warfarin
Glimepiride may potentiate the effect of warfarin.
Beta-blockers, NSAIDs, Salicylates, Alcohol
May increase the hypoglycemic effect of glimepiride.
Corticosteroids, Thiazide diuretics, Estrogens
May decrease the hypoglycemic effect of glimepiride.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Overdose of glimepiride can lead to severe hypoglycemia. Symptoms include sweating, palpitation, tremor, hunger, confusion, and coma. Management involves immediate administration of glucose (oral for conscious patients, intravenous for unconscious patients) and close monitoring.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Glimepiride is not recommended during pregnancy (Pregnancy Category C) and lactation due to potential risks to the fetus/infant. Insulin is preferred for glycemic control in pregnant women with diabetes.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to glimepiride or other sulfonylureas or sulfonamides.
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (with or without coma).
- Severe renal or hepatic impairment.
- Pregnancy and lactation.
Drug Interactions
Warfarin
Glimepiride may potentiate the effect of warfarin.
Beta-blockers, NSAIDs, Salicylates, Alcohol
May increase the hypoglycemic effect of glimepiride.
Corticosteroids, Thiazide diuretics, Estrogens
May decrease the hypoglycemic effect of glimepiride.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Overdose of glimepiride can lead to severe hypoglycemia. Symptoms include sweating, palpitation, tremor, hunger, confusion, and coma. Management involves immediate administration of glucose (oral for conscious patients, intravenous for unconscious patients) and close monitoring.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Glimepiride is not recommended during pregnancy (Pregnancy Category C) and lactation due to potential risks to the fetus/infant. Insulin is preferred for glycemic control in pregnant women with diabetes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
3 years from manufacturing date
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
Approved
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Glimepiride has been extensively studied in numerous clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety in improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown comparable efficacy to other sulfonylureas and insulin in certain settings.
Lab Monitoring
- Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and postprandial blood glucose (PPG) regularly.
- Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) every 3-6 months.
- Renal function tests (e.g., serum creatinine, eGFR) periodically.
- Liver function tests (LFTs) periodically.
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize patient education on hypoglycemia recognition and management.
- Regularly assess renal and hepatic function, especially in elderly patients.
- Consider dose adjustments when co-administering with drugs affecting CYP2C9.
Patient Guidelines
- Take Glirid-2-mg-tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Always take it with breakfast or your first main meal to reduce the risk of stomach upset and hypoglycemia.
- Do not skip meals while taking this medication.
- Learn to recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia (e.g., sweating, trembling, dizziness) and how to treat it (e.g., consume a quick source of sugar).
- Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly as advised by your doctor.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Patients should be aware of the risk of hypoglycemia, which may impair their ability to drive or operate machinery. Monitor blood glucose levels before driving if symptoms are experienced.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a balanced diet and regular exercise routine as part of your diabetes management plan.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption as it can increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
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 Glirid Brand
Other medicines available under the same brand name
