Sulforid
Generic Name
Glimepiride
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| sulforid 3 mg tablet | ৳ 9.00 | ৳ 90.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Sulforid 3 mg Tablet contains Glimepiride, an oral antidiabetic drug used to lower blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus when diet, exercise, and weight reduction alone are insufficient. It works by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Initial dose: 1-2 mg once daily. Maintenance dose: 1-4 mg once daily, maximum 8 mg/day. Administer with breakfast or first main meal.
Elderly
Careful dose titration, start with 1 mg once daily. Monitor for hypoglycemia.
Renal_impairment
Initial dose 1 mg once daily. Dose adjustment may be necessary based on renal function and glycemic response.
How to 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 primarily acts by stimulating insulin release from pancreatic beta cells. It binds to the sulfonylurea receptor (SUR1) on the beta-cell membrane, leading to closure of ATP-sensitive potassium channels, membrane depolarization, calcium influx, and subsequent insulin secretion. It also has some extrapancreatic effects, increasing insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Within 2-3 hours
Excretion
Primarily excreted renally (60% as metabolites) and fecally (40% as metabolites).
Half life
Approximately 5-9 hours (terminal half-life)
Absorption
Rapid and complete absorption after oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations are reached in 2-3 hours.
Metabolism
Completely 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.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis, with or without coma.
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus.
- Severe renal or hepatic impairment.
- Pregnancy and lactation (generally, insulin is preferred).
Drug Interactions
Warfarin
Glimepiride may potentiate or weaken the effect of warfarin.
Beta-blockers
May mask symptoms of hypoglycemia and increase hypoglycemic risk.
Miconazole, Fluconazole
Potent CYP2C9 inhibitors, may increase glimepiride plasma levels and hypoglycemic risk.
Corticosteroids, Thiazide diuretics
May reduce the hypoglycemic effect.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
May potentiate the hypoglycemic effect.
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, unconsciousness, seizures). Management involves immediate administration of glucose (oral or IV), monitoring blood glucose, and supportive care.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Category C (risk cannot be ruled out). Not recommended during pregnancy; insulin is generally preferred. Avoid during lactation as it may excrete into breast milk and cause hypoglycemia in infants.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to glimepiride or other sulfonylureas or sulfonamides.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis, with or without coma.
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus.
- Severe renal or hepatic impairment.
- Pregnancy and lactation (generally, insulin is preferred).
Drug Interactions
Warfarin
Glimepiride may potentiate or weaken the effect of warfarin.
Beta-blockers
May mask symptoms of hypoglycemia and increase hypoglycemic risk.
Miconazole, Fluconazole
Potent CYP2C9 inhibitors, may increase glimepiride plasma levels and hypoglycemic risk.
Corticosteroids, Thiazide diuretics
May reduce the hypoglycemic effect.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
May potentiate the hypoglycemic effect.
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, unconsciousness, seizures). Management involves immediate administration of glucose (oral or IV), monitoring blood glucose, and supportive care.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Category C (risk cannot be ruled out). Not recommended during pregnancy; insulin is generally preferred. Avoid during lactation as it may excrete into breast milk and cause hypoglycemia in infants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
2-3 years from manufacturing date
Availability
Pharmacies, hospitals, clinics
Approval Status
Approved by FDA (USA), DGDA (Bangladesh)
Patent Status
Off-patent (Generic available)
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have established glimepiride's efficacy and safety in managing type 2 diabetes, demonstrating its ability to reduce HbA1c and fasting blood glucose levels.
Lab Monitoring
- Fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels
- HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) every 3-6 months
- Renal function (e.g., serum creatinine) periodically
- Hepatic function (e.g., ALT, AST) periodically
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 glycemic targets are not met with monotherapy.
- Advise patients about potential drug interactions.
Patient Guidelines
- Take as directed by your doctor, usually once daily with breakfast.
- Do not skip meals or delay eating after taking this medicine.
- Be aware of symptoms of hypoglycemia and know how to treat them (e.g., consume sugary drinks/food).
- Regular blood glucose monitoring is essential.
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember if it's still with the same meal. If it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Driving Precautions
Caution is advised as glimepiride can cause hypoglycemia, which may impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. Patients should be aware of the symptoms of hypoglycemia and take precautions.
Lifestyle Advice
- Follow a balanced diet for diabetes management.
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Limit alcohol intake as it can affect blood glucose levels.
- Quit smoking.
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